EngineeringQueensland News

Edition 2, 2010

Sponsors

Produced by:Engineers Australia Queensland Division

Engineering House 447 Upper Edward StreetBrisbane QLD 4000

Telephone 07 3832 3749Facsimile 07 3832 2101Email qld@engineersaustralia.org.auWeb qld.engineersaustralia.org.au

Content of this newsletter was correct at the time of printing. Please check the website for the most up-to-date listings of events and programs.

Advertising and editorial:Taylor Hunter, Corporate Relations ManagerEmail thunter@engineersaustralia.org.au

President’s welcome 01

Queensland Growth Management Summit review 02

Congress update 03

‘Engineering leaders to build business’ - Susan Denk 05

Young Engineers Queensland update 06

Women in Engineering Queensland update 07

Queensland personal awards - call for nominations 08

Profile - Daniel Kennett, Chair of Cairns Local Group 10

Rail engineering skills shortages 11

Call for Fellow applications 12

CELMQ update featuring Professional Engineer of the Year 13

New Professional Development Program partners 14

Engineers Without Borders feature 15

Welcoming new Queensland membership manager 16

Congratulations - new Fellows and Chartered members 16

CovER iMAGE

When Cyclone Larry came to town

Courtesy of Marc Mccormack, Newspix

When Cyclone Larry crossed Queensland’s far north coast on 20 March 2006, the region’s electricity infrastructure was severely damaged. Devastating the township of innisfail with 200kmph winds, the cyclone disabled seven transmission lines, spanning more than 300 kilometres, and five high voltage substations. The cyclonic winds totally collapsed five transmission towers and severely compromised another two towers.

Later becoming a symbol of the recovery effort, an Australian Defence Force Chinook helicopter air-lifted a transmission tower from Townsville to a cane field near Babinda to help restore electricity supply. An example of the extreme climatic challenges facing the engineers responsible for Queensland’s transmission network, the state’s bulk electricity supply was restored to impacted communities within just five days.

As featured in the Engineering Wonders of Queensland

Order yOur free cOpy Online qld.engineersaustralia.org.au

01

messagePRESiDENT’S

My first few months as President of the Queensland Division have flown past. ian McEwan, the Division’s Executive Director, and i recently travelled to Rockhampton to visit the region’s Local Group.

We had a great trip hosted by Blake Harvey, who escorted us through the Ergon Control Rooms which, coupled with a similar facility in Townsville, are the nerve centre of power supply to 97% of Queensland. The afternoon also included a very interesting site visit through Stanwell Power Station.

The Engineers Australia Queensland (EAQ) Chairs meeting held in Brisbane late February was very informative and well received. The attendance from our various committees and Local Groups was excellent and i thank all volunteer

office bearers for their time and energy in giving back to the engineering profession.

EAQ has become very involved and influential in various forums on the Professional Engineers Act, Privatisation of Public Assets and, just recently, Queensland’s Growth Management Summit (a review of this event is on page two).

issues regarding the Professional Engineers Act are requiring significant input from the Committee and our Division staff. The various presentations and educational road trips undertaken last year by Board of Professional Engineers Queensland (BoPEQ) highlighted the level of confusion and misunderstanding that exists around the Act.

in Queensland, we are supporting the BoPEQ to continue its education campaign plus we have recently initiated a working party with kindred organisations to discuss issues surrounding the Act. The working party includes representatives from AusiMM, APESMA, iPWEAQ, QMCA, APAA, CCF, APPA, QRC and Consult Australia.

The aim of the working party is to identify issues of common concern and potential confusion and then work with the BoPEQ to address these. For those interested, Engineers Australia has a formal policy on registration and this can be viewed at engineersaustralia.org.au/advocacy.

The decision by the Queensland Government to privatise various state assets has been made. in the public interest, the best outcome for Queensland can be achieved through the engineering profession positively influencing how the privatisation of the assets is managed.

‘our technical knowledge and leadership is required to ensure that the state government remains an informed buyer of engineering services and that our communities are accurately informed.’

Good legislation and performance management outcomes need to be developed to maximise the benefits and to enable the future sustainable prosperity of our state.

i encourage you to be leaders in your communities and to be ambassadors for our profession.

Michael BradyPresident 2010Engineers Australia Queensland

Mike with Paul Muller at Stanwell Power Station Mike with Paul Muller and Blake Harvey

02

The Queensland Growth Management Summit held in March this year brought together a range of political, community and industry leaders, including Engineers Australia, to discuss the issues and implications surrounding population growth in Queensland. The summit provided an excellent opportunity for different groups to express their views after hearing from a range of experts and political leaders.

Reviewing the summit’s workshop outcomes (available at growthsummit.premiers.qld.gov.au), it is evident that many of issues debated during the event reflected the recommendations made in the 2004 Engineers Australia Queensland infrastructure Report Card. in particular, the Queensland infrastructure Report Card noted the following:

• planning and provision of infrastructure should become a true partnership between the three tiers of government, the professions, business and the community

• the requirement for a greater focus and commitment to sustainability

• the need for long term infrastructure planning with committed funding

• consideration of alternate funding mechanisms

• the importance of asset management.

The 2004 Queensland infrastructure Report Card identified the state of infrastructure in Queensland and its fitness for purpose for current and future needs. in addition it promoted awareness that infrastructure underpins the community’s quality of life and that inadequate infrastructure impedes economic and social growth.

Engineers Australia will be releasing the 2010 Queensland infrastructure Report Card in August this year. This edition will allow the Queensland engineering team to make another considered contribution to the debate and policy development surrounding population growth.

The 2010 Report Card will identify where positive progress has been made, what issues have emerged from the development of new industries, and the challenges that remain. Engineering will be taking a leadership role in addressing the future sustainable planned economic and social development of Queensland.

The 2004 Queensland infrastructure Report Card is available at infrastructurereportcard.org.au.

Queensland Growth summit

review

Transport and Main Roads Engineering Technology Forum

3 - 5 August 2010

A comprehensive and informative program has been

developed around this year’s 2010 Engineering

Technology Forum theme of “Solutions Delivering Q2

Outcomes”. This year’s Forum will target for

discussion the opportunities, priorities and challenges

existing around the achievement of this vision. It will

draw on the expertise of industry leaders from both

government and private enterprise to examine current

practices, share existing knowledge and introduce new

technologies for the future.

The topical nature of this year’s Forum is already

attracting widespread interest. International industry

professionals will be contributing to 50 globally

relevant discussions such as: achieving integrated

transport system efficiency in an uncertain economic

environment, lessons learned from major projects, and

research and development in transport systems. There

will also be over 20 trade booth exhibitors whose

diverse yet relevant links to the industry will contribute

enormously to the event.

Lock in 3 – 5 August 2010 for this year’s Engineering

Technology Forum at the Sebel & Citigate King George

Square – an event not to be missed.

For more information about the Engineering

Technology Forum, please telephone (07) 3834 2672 or

email mr.techforum@tmr.qld.gov.au.Connecting Queenslandwww.tmr.qld.gov.au

The Sebel & Citigate King George Square

Cnr Ann and Roma Streets, Brisbane

Solutions Delivering Q2 Outcomes

The National Congress of Engineers Australia (Congress) exists as the highest governing body of our institution. it is where you get to have your say through your Congress delegates on significant matters of governance. The most important matter is Congress’ responsibility to elect the nine members of National Council – essentially the Board of Directors of Engineers Australia.

The Congress consists of 50 representatives from the divisions, college boards, and special interest groups of Engineers Australia. The Queensland Division has three representatives from across the Division, currently Geoff Haigh, David Hood and Sam Fernando, and one representative from the Division Committee, Andrew Chapman, all elected for a two-year term. in order to keep you up-to-date on Congress issues, your Congress delegates will regularly report through this column on the matters and issues being considered by Congress.

Congress can initiate membership ballots to propose changes to the Royal Charter and Bye-laws – in effect Engineers Australia’s Constitution. Congress can also review and approve changes to the Code of Ethics and the Disciplinary Regulations. Right now, these two matters are under review with significant changes proposed. Details of the proposed changes to the Code of Ethics are available on the Engineers Australia website, and any proposed changes to the Royal Charter and Bye-laws will be communicated to all members well before a ballot occurs.

Please contact us if you would like your views on these matters to be known by your Congress representatives. This is an important part of the consultative process as we will be soon voting on your behalf in regards draft changes to the Code of Ethics.

Congress can also provide advice to the Council on key issues. in 2009, sub-committees and working groups were formed from the members of Congress to provided advice on important strategic issues such as member engagement with Congress, electronic communications for members, support to migrant engineers and regional engineering.

in 2010, Congress will be working with Council on a number of significant matters including:• finalising the revised Bye-laws and

Code of Ethics• implementing the 2010 – 2015

Strategic Plan• establishment of special interest

groups for regional engineering and support to migrant engineers.

Contact us

GeOff HaiGH Tel 3306 7334 or 0417 750 585 geoffrey.b.haigh@tmr.qld.gov.au

david HOOd Tel 3878 2114 or 0408 487 498 davidahood@mac.com

Sam fernandO samfernando87@yahoo.com

andrew cHapman c/- Queensland Division Tel 3832 3749

Congress Corner

What is Congress and what is it doing?

ENGiNEERiNG ExCELLENCE AWARDS2010

impOrtant dateS

friday 4 June 2010 intent to enter registrations close

friday 2 July 2010 entry fee to be paid in full

wednesday 4 august 2010 full submissions to be lodged by 5pm

friday 8 October 2010 engineering excellence awards

03

the engineering excellence awards is the engineering profession’s most prestigious event in Queensland.

we have made a number of changes to the 2010 format, categories and submission requirements including:

• an individual project can be entered into up to two categories (previously just one category was permitted plus the overall awards).

• Newandrefinedawardcategoriestoencourage entries for smaller projects and separable portions.

• projects that were completed from January 2008 to december 2009 can now be entered for consideration in the 2010 excellence awards. this two-year completion window has been increased from the previous one year requirement.

• revised fee structure.

we strongly encourage all Queensland engineering organisations to consider putting forward a nomination for this year’s engineering excellence awards. take your place as one of Queensland’s engineering high-achievers and be acknowledgedasaleaderinyourfield.

04

SportSengineeringHigh-tech soccer research scores top international honour

Engineering student Jonathon Neville has scored a top international honour for studying the motions of throwing a soccer ball to set up goal-scoring opportunities. Jonathon won the prestigious 2009 Sports Engineering Student Project Competition, run by the international Sports Engineering Association (iSEA).

A keen soccer player, he said throwing the ball from the sideline of the soccer field could be a critical opportunity for teams to score goals. ‘Throwing can be critical to the game, but this powerful movement has not been studied widely,’ Jonathon said. ‘Throwing can be a lot more accurate than kicking a ball and a player can set the team up for a goal scoring opportunity by throwing the ball well, sometimes for a distance of more than 30 to 40 metres.

‘Using real-time electronic sensors to record and monitor the throwing motions in a 3D motion capture environment, my research identified the critical motions of the soccer throw, including the player’s approach speed and how the player’s stomach and arm rotations contribute to the throw.’

Jonathon said the study would help coaches assess the throwing action and improve players’ techniques. Current regulations stipulate both feet need to be firmly on the ground, hands should start from behind the head, and the ball should be released over the head.

The final-year Griffith University student conducted the study earlier this year while working at the University’s Centre for Wireless Monitoring and Applications as part of the industry

Affiliates Program (IAP), which allows students to obtain valuable experience working in their chosen industry.

The Sports Engineering Student Project Competition was open to graduates from undergraduate degree programs at any higher education institution in the world, who have undertaken an individual project on a sports engineering topic. The iSEA aims to act as a forum to discuss technical issues relating to sport.

over 170 contemporary student projects will be on display at the iAP Project Expo on 17 June at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. Entry is free. To find out about the Industrial Affiliates Program or to register to attend the iAP Expo visit griffith.edu.au/iap.

05

Engineers are leaders in many senses of the word. We have built cities, sent men to the moon and to the depths of the oceans. in Queensland today, we’re project managing some of the biggest infrastructure projects in the world. We are quietly, and quite literally, influencing the future shape and landscape of the state.

While we are shaping physical landscapes, we could be applying the same unique skills to shape corporate landscapes as company leaders and directors.

As project managers, engineers are innovators and problem solvers – we have to be – and these are core attributes that companies look for in their leaders. It’s a natural fit. According to the latest McKinsey Global Survey, ‘Leadership through the crisis and after’, innovation was rated the most important organisational capability for managing corporate performance after the current economic crisis. it seems we are not fully capitalising on our potential contribution to the corporate sector by bringing a professional engineering approach to corporate management.

Are we too focussed on achieving a design or research and development outcome rather than recognising the value of our transferrable skills in a broader corporate context? Should we engineer our own careers to ensure we have broad exposure to all elements

of a business in order to be well placed to transition into leadership positions in the corporate environment, rather than just the engineering world?

Development programs, like those offered by the Centre for Engineering Leadership and Management, will assist, but it’s up to us as leaders of this generation of engineers to ensure the next generation have a broader vision of the role of the profession in, and its value to, business in general. To date, we have failed to adequately broaden the vision of our place in the universe and apply our core skills and thinking to the corporate context.

in light of recent discussion on board diversity, it is timely to draw attention to the lack of discipline diversity on most boards. Talk has centred on gender diversity (very worthy of this level of discussion), but in the Year of Engineering Leadership, it’s time to put forward the case for our profession to contribute at this level. While professionals such as lawyers and accountants dominate the country’s boardrooms, with respect, those professions are not traditionally known for innovation and problem solving – the pillars of our profession.

According to the ASx Corporate Governance Council’s Good Practice Recommendations (2006), fundamental to any corporate governance structure is a balance of skills, experience and independence on

boards, appropriate to the nature and extent of company operations. it says an evaluation of skills, experience and expertise enables identification of the particular skills that will best increase board effectiveness.

i hope to see more engineers progress into key leadership roles beyond the traditional areas and to infiltrate the boardrooms of Australia and indeed the world. We owe it to ourselves in the year of engineering leadership to ensure we realise the true potential contribution of engineers and continue expanding the areas of application of the essential skills of our profession.

Engineers can do anything . . . so let’s re-engineer our place in society!

Engineering leaders to build businessSusan Denk BEng (Mech) Grad Dip (Pet Eng) MBA MAICDChief Operating Officer, Unidel

...it’s up to us as leaders of this generation of engineers to ensure the next generation have a broader vision of the role of the profession in, and its value to, business in general.‘ ’

Susan manages Unidel’s 200-strong team of project management specialists providing energy and infrastructure consulting services. She has worked in the energy sector for more than 15 years and has a successful track record in both corporate and field environments. in addition to technical engineering roles, Susan has held various senior leadership positions with responsibilities in commercial, operations and project management in Australia, the Middle East and indonesia. She is the Chair of Women in Mining & Resources Queensland and the 2010 co-winner of the Queensland Resources Council overall Resources Awards for Women.

Ye

aQ

06

What an exciting year this has been so far and there is a lot more to come yet, but for those of you who’ve missed out, here is a recap on what’s been happening with Young Engineers Australia Queensland (YEAQ).

YEAQ kick-started 2010 with a networking event in January that gave over 80 young engineers the opportunity to get out of the office and catch-up after work to discuss current projects, roles and issues.

Moving out of the bar and into the boardroom, in February we held a Success in Recruitment forum where a panel of experts discussed the recruitment process within public, private, consulting and energy sectors. More than 75 up-and-coming engineering students and recent graduates got a taste of the industry and learned about the process of applying for jobs.

‘engineers normally take one of two career paths: technical or management’

mark vickers, aeCom

According to recruitment specialist Mark vickers, from AECoM, ‘Engineers normally take one of two paths in their careers: technical or management.

‘The former focuses on the delivery of the technical aspects of the project, and the latter controls, manages and directs works in line with deliverables. in most cases those with higher levels of emotional intelligence would be attracted to the management route’.

‘high emotional intelligence is a trait that employers look for’

todd hoover, engineers australia

During a discussion on the importance of being a team player, high emotional intelligence is described as a trait that employers looked for. Todd Hoover, Membership Manager for Engineers Australia Queensland Division, provided a simple definition of emotional intelligence as ‘a person’s ability to understand their own behaviour, how it impacts others and what mode of behaviour will best benefit the group’.

in March, more than 60 people sipped and sliced their way through our wine and cheese night with the guidance of Paula Tewksbury, wine judge, educator, public speaker and director of the Brisbane Fine Wine Festival.

i would like to thank our sponsor, Port of Brisbane, for their generous support of YEAQ that enables us to hold fantastic events like these. if you have missed out on any of the events so far, not to worry because YEAQ has lots of interesting events coming up. For more information on upcoming events, please visit the YEAQ webpage on the Engineers Australia website. our next event will be Speed Networking Night at KG Bar on Thursday 27 May 2010.

YEAQ also recently had the opportunity to speak with engineering students from Griffith University about their future careers in the industry. it was an enjoyable day as the students were very attentive and showed excitement about the opportunities and the scope for engineering innovation.

Last but not least, it’s great to see engineering projects are back on track and that a lot of young engineers who had been laid off by their employers are being called back to work.

one of the booming industries in Queensland is coal seam gas (CSG) that is attracting a lot of engineering graduates. in February, i attended a dinner in Brisbane hosted by Australian Pipeline industry Association. The guest speaker, Allan Palmer from origin Energy, talked about how CSG and standards for pipelines have developed over the last six years. Queensland’s CSG and LNG projects promise to provide a lot of opportunities for young engineers over the coming years.

it’s great to know that Young Engineers is currently the single largest sub-group within Engineers Australia, with over 40,000 young engineers and student members across the country. The group has now been established for over 20 years, with nine local chapters and a national committee that advises Engineers Australia and all affiliated groups on matters that affect young engineers.

i’ve personally enjoyed being involved with YEAQ as i meet a lot of young engineers in various industries who i probably wouldn’t have the opportunity to come across during my career. i, and the other members of our committee, have been able to build a great network on contacts throughout Queensland and interstate.

our committee meets at 6pm on the first Tuesday of every month at Portal Hotel. if you’re interested in what we do or would like to get involved, please feel welcome to come along. To join our email distribution list, please email yeaqldcomm@engineersaustralia.org.au.

YounG enGineers Queenslandamin Kashanchi, YeaQ Chair

wie

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Ye

aQ

07

women in enGineerinG QueenslandKristina schaeffer, wieQ Chair

The Women in Engineering Queensland (WiEQ) committee kicked the year off with a vibrant launch event at the o Bar & Restaurant, attended by numerous new and familiar faces. The event was a great opportunity to introduce WiEQ’s 2010 committee: Kristina Schaeffer (Chair), Liz Schofield, Melissa Griffith, Samantha Kerr, Fran Satya, Catherine Smith, Kristen MacAskill, Rene Roel, Zoe Shelley, Felicity Briody and Jamie Mullins.

We also used the event to highlight some of upcoming activities that aim to support the strategic plan for women in engineering, whose objectives are: • attract women of all ages to

engineering careers• retain women in engineering• support women throughout their

engineering careers• celebrate the achievements of

women in engineering.

Throughout 2010, the WiEQ committee will offer a combination of technical speakers, school seminars and networking events. in addition to our events calendar, we’ll be actively supporting the Division’s current President, Mike Brady, with his initiative of providing improved services to regional committees and members. We would welcome feedback or ideas on how the WiEQ committee may be able to assist female engineers living and working in regional areas.

our committee AGM will be occurring in June. if you are interested in joining or nominating for a position on the WiEQ committee, please email us at wieqld@engineersaustralia.org.au.

We are looking for corporate support to help us offer our events and activities during 2010. All WiEQ sponsorship enquiries to the Queensland Division office will be gratefully received. Sponsorship of our committee offers great exposure for organisations seeking to support the role of women in engineering. Currently, less than 10% of engineers in Queensland are women, which is one of the lowest participation of rates of women across all professions. With the help of sponsors, we wish to change this.

2010 WiEQ EvENTS CALENDAR

MAY Golf lessons

CPD – Risk technical speaker

JUNE Trivia night

GEN2x

AGM

JULY ‘Girl Talk’ workshops

AUG CPD – Leadership skills

SEPT Golf lessons

Nov WiEQ Annual corporate breakfast speaker

young engineers gala ballfriday 6 august, customs house, brisbane

classic HOLLYWOOD

two course meal four hour beverage packageband and entertainmentyoung professional engineer of the year announcement

members $ 130non-members $ 150table of 10 $ 1,200

04

Like all good superheroes, members of the engineering team often mask their identity and remain anonymous. It is time to recognise these unsung star performers of Queensland engineering and nominate them for our 2010 personal awards program. These engineering megastars will have a record of academic and career achievements, service to the engineering team and to the community.

Do you know a superhero cleverly disguised as an engineer? Someone who is the best at what they do, who regularly saves the day and leads the charge for excellence in engineering? Tell us about them and you could win $1,000 cash!

Professional Engineer of the Year

Engineering Technologist of the Year

Engineering Officer of the Year

Young Professional Engineer of the Year

Young Engineering Technologist of the Year

Young Engineering Officer of the Year

08

05

Eric Brier Memorial Award (Queensland Division award)Legacy bequeathed to Engineers Australia Queensland Division to be awarded to a member who has made a significant contribution to advancing the public standing of the profession of engineering, particularly in the field of sustainable development.

Hall of Fame (Queensland Division award)Celebrating the extraordinary professional achievements and community contributions of Queensland’s most outstanding engineers.

Honorary Fellow (National award)For engineers who have rendered conspicuous service to the profession of engineering. For more information, please visit engineersaustralia.org.au/awards. Nominations close 31 July 2010.

Peter Nicol Russell Medal (National award)Engineers Australia’s most prestigious award to a Fellow who has a minimum of 20 years experience in the practice of professional engineering and has made a notable contribution to the science and/or practice of engineering in Australia. For more information, please visit engineersaustralia.org.au/awards. Nominations close 31 July 2010.

‘Finder fee’ incentive is not applicable for any of the above awards. A separate and specific nomination process is required for the National Engineers Australia awards.

There are a number of easy ways to nominate an employee, colleague, peer or friend for consideration in any of the award categories.

You can simply send us the candidate’s résumé or, if you don’t have access to this, just submit their name and contact details and we will take it from there. You can even remain an anonymous nominator if preferred.

Download the nomination form available via qld.engineersaustralia.org.au and follow the link from the homepage. Nominations close 30 June 2010.

If you nominate the person who goes on to win the Queensland title of their award category, you will earn yourself $1,000 cash from us in thanks for identifying such a standout candidate.

Should your nominee become a finalist in their award category, if you are an existing member of Engineers Australia we will pay your next subscription fee for a full year, which is worth up to $650.

If a category winner has been nominated on behalf of their employer organisation, we will chip-in $1,000 to your social club or make a charity donation at your request.

09

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Engineering discipline/qualification Bachelor of Engineering (honours) in Civil Engineering from the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Current job title and function Structural Engineer for Arup in Cairns – my role includes design and construction monitoring for new buildings, as well as carrying out inspections and producing reports on existing buildings that may have suffered damage or have inherent issues.

Why are you an engineer? i guess i followed my Dad into the building industry. i also once had a fantastic economics teacher who told me ‘engineers create wealth and lawyers redistribute it’. That was enough to convince me.

How did you become involved with the Cairns Local group? About three years ago my boss was on the committee and looking for a replacement. i stuck my hand up and have been involved ever since, stepping up to the Chair position this year.

What are you working on right now? Cairns Base Hospital Redevelopment Block E (carpark with 3 clinical levels) – on site, William McCormack Place Stage 2 (state government offices in Cairns) – on site, Cairns Botanical Gardens visitor Centre – design.

Most challenging or interesting project you’ve ever worked on? CBHR Block E has probably been the most challenging to date, with a wide range of technical challenges and other issues to deal with all under the pressures of a tight program.

Dream job? i always wanted to be a pilot, and that would probably still be right up there in terms of a dream job.

What makes Queensland such a great place to be an engineer? FNQ is a great place to be an engineer because of the broad range of experiences that are on offer through the project work that’s available, and some of the settings that you get to be an engineer in – Hinchinbrook island or Wallaman Falls spring to mind.

What was the first concert you went to? Channel Z launch concert in Christchurch – The Living End played and rocked the Christchurch Town Hall along with a bunch of great kiwi bands.

TV show you secretly enjoy? The Apprentice (not-so-secretly, i am a fan of Mr Trump) and Australia’s Next Top Model (very secretly).

First international flight – where did you go? Brisbane! on my way to the first family holiday on the Gold Coast from Christchurch.

Something or someone you miss most from childhood? The quality cartoons that were around for those of us that grew up in the 80s, all the new ones look rubbish! Whatever happened to Mighty Mouse or Captain Planet?

If the whole world was listening, what would you say? Take it easy, don’t sweat the small things, and listen to those that know what they’re talking about, we’ve got to get things on track some time soon!

Weirdest or silliest thing you will admit to ever having done? Buying a pair of BRiGHT orange pants while i was in China on an exchange in my last year of high school.

What’s your soap star name (first pet name and first street name)? Suzy Chervier – or if you go to the second of each it’s Bart Birch, which i think suits me much better!

Biggest celebrity you’ve ever met? Quite literally, Vulcan from the first run of Australian Gladiators. otherwise it’d be a toss up between Chris Cairns and Dan Carter.

engineer

Local Groups perform an important role within Engineers Australia through the coordination of professional development and technical presentations, regional advocacy and networking opportunities for local engineers. Contact us if you’re interested in getting involved with the Local Group in your area.

quick chatwith Daniel Kennett, Chair of the Engineers Australia Cairns Local Group

11

Council is made up of people dedicated to a better Brisbane.To enquire about moving your career to Council, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/careers or call 3403 4998 BC

C099

6/01

m

Ian - Senior Engineer

As a senior engineer in transport infrastructure at Brisbane City Council,

it’s my job to manage the planning, design and construction of transport

projects to ensure the highest levels of road safety are maintained.

Right now, for example, I’m working on major traffic

improvements which are aimed at making the roads

safer for Brisbane drivers - and that makes

me immensely proud.”

“I’M ENGINEERING A BETTER BRISBANE.

RAIl EnGInEERInG a career that’s going places

The safe and efficient operation of Australia’s rail network could be in jeopardy after a 2009 report found the country would have only half the number of qualified rail engineers and tradespeople needed to run the nation’s network over the next five years.

Dr Martin Murray, from Queensland University of Technology’s School of Urban Development, said the report by Rail Leaders Group - a group set up by the rail industry and the Queensland Government - found the rail industry desperately needed more skilled people.

‘The demand for railway engineers over the next five years is expected to be more than 2,000 - with only perhaps 1,000 available. in the rail trades, the demand is for more than 8,000 people, yet there may be only 5,000 tradespeople available,’ Dr Murray said.

Dr Murray, who has developed and delivers the world’s only online masters course in railway infrastructure, said government and industry were looking

to universities and skilled immigration programs to address the shortage.

‘The online delivery of QUT’s Master of Engineering (Railway infrastructure) is proving popular among people working full-time in the industry to develop skills, and people in regional areas,’ he said.

Dr Murray said rail had come to the fore again after many years in the doldrums when road transport was the mode of choice. ‘Rising fuel costs and emissions targets have increased the demand for the rail transport option and created the skills shortage we are facing now,’ he said.

‘The huge increase in the transport of goods and people by road from the 1960s - 1990s led to downsizing in rail but now the market has returned with the need to develop a new workforce before losing skills as the ‘baby boomers’ retire.’

QUT’s Master of Engineering (Railway infrastructure) is the only course of its kind in the world and is designed for rail industry professionals to increase technical knowledge, infrastructure management skills and professional networks world-wide.

Chair of the Burnett Local Group, Samantha Green, invites members, partners and associates to the 2010 Central Region Engineering Conference.

Presentation topics will include a cross-section of influences in the region’s engineering industry, particularly projects with social, legal, political and environmental implications.

To register for the conference or for further details please contact Burnett Local Group Secretary, Michael Egan on mobile 0414 784 191 or email michael.egan@bundaberg.qld.gov.au.

emerging societal challenges

engineers resPonDCentral region

engineering Conference

Bundaberg, 31 July 2010

12

Engineers Australia is committed to ensuring your engineering experience is recognised by all those who may benefit from it, including your clients and colleagues. The membership grade of Fellow is a great way to demonstrate you have attained a high level of engineering experience and made a valuable contribution to the profession and to your community.

To qualify as a Fellow, you will hold (or have held) long-term responsibility in the design and delivery of engineering work, performed senior positions within the profession, and made a significant contribution through research, innovation and continuing professional development.

Queensland currently boasts around 750 Fellows. With such enormous scope for engineering talent in our state, we invite you to submit an application for the grade of Fellow and get the recognition you have earned. We also welcome referrals for your colleagues or peers should you believe they deserve the acknowledgement of Fellow status.

To apply to become a fellow, visit engineersaustralia.org.au/membership/join/apply-for-fellow-membership. For more information or assistance, please call the Queensland membership team on telephone 07 3832 3749 or email qld@engineersaustralia.org.au.

ian faulconbridge fieaust cpengFellow since 2009This former military officer now runs his own successful engineering consultancy, Magpie Applied Technology. ian said, ‘being a Fellow is an excellent marketing tool for my services as it shows my clients i have progressed to a high level within the profession and have the right expertise to help them’.

Julie mcevoy fieaust cpengFellow since 2005 Julie is a Principal with SKM and believes it’s important for engineers to promote their knowledge and contribution to the profession and to the wider community. ‘in doing so, we attract future engineers to the profession and show our communities that Engineers Australia supports the highest professional standards of its members,’ Julie said.

FIEAustMake the most of your post-nominals

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MOREEXPERIENCE

with usMonadelphous is a leading national engineering group, providing extensive engineering construction, maintenance and industrial services to the resources, energy and infrastructure sectors. An ASX Top 200 company with more than 4000 employees, our commitment to

quality and strong customer focus means we have earned an enviable reputation for the successful delivery of some of Australia’s largest projects. If you’re looking to experience more, this is the place to be.

For more information and to apply visit:

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The Centre for Engineering Leadership and Management Queensland (CELMQ) has been active supporting value-based leadership principles to engineering leaders since 2004. our events celebrate and provide inspiration from some exceptional leaders.

We also co-badge events with Young Engineers Australia Queensland and Women in Engineering Queensland. These events are part of our wider ambition to expand and strengthen networks with members and non members, and to encourage greater involvement and participation in Engineers Australia and leadership professional development programs.

in March 2010, we hosted the Professional Engineer of the Year Dinner Address, which honoured Powerlink’s Chief Operating Officer and current National Professional Engineer of the Year, Simon Bartlett FiEAust CPEng.

Simon’s presentation captured the imagination of the audience with a candid snapshot of his leadership journey over the last few years, particularly during the Cyclone Larry disaster relief efforts in 2006. Simon discussed key leadership learnings from this inspiring case study including:

• setting strategy quickly during a crisis requires a willingness to be flexible as a leader, re-aligning strategy as new information comes to hand

• how to positively strategise, dealing with negative situations up-front

• proactively gaining leadership credibility through sound stakeholder engagement

• communication techniques and systems used correctly may improve the setting of organisation culture and wider community results

• supporting stakeholders may encourage reciprocal support for internal team strategy.

Another highlight of the CELMQ activities in the first quarter of this year has been the co-hosting with Young Engineers Australia of the national Engineering Leadership Conference in Brisbane on 5-7 May. With a packed program featuring eminent speakers from all across

Australia, the conference wasextremely well attended by local and interstate delegates and it was fantastic to have such a high profile event showcasing Queensland engineering.

CELMQ has recently launched a campaign seeking corporate sponsorship of our committee and events. Sponsorship will assist us in continuing our work and, in return, sponsors will have access to a wide range of benefits including opportunities to closely align your organisation with our events.

We will be active throughout 2010 conducting events that promote value-based leadership principles to members, including the annual Leadership oration later in the year. if you are interested in sponsorship opportunities with us, please contact the CELMQ committee via celmq@engineersaustralia.org.au.

ENGiNEERiNG LEADERSHiP FEAturIng SImon BArtlEtt, nAtIonAl ProFESSIonAl EngInEEr oF thE YEAr

Simon orton Chair, Centre for Engineering Leadership and Management Queensland

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pOwerlinKPowerlink is a government-owned corporation that develops, operates and maintains Queensland’s high-voltage electricity transmission network, which benchmarks in the top quartile internationally in terms of both cost efficiency and reliability. Queensland’s $5.2 billion network extends 1,700km from north of Cairns to the New South Wales border. Powerlink Graduate Engineers get to work with and learn from talented engineering and development professionals, while having the opportunity to work with the world’s most advanced transmission technologies.

image - Terry Miller (Manager Network Development) and ian McEwan

SiGantO & StaceySiganto & Stacey is a leading mechanical services contracting and engineering company. As development is vital to the growth of their business, participating in a program like the PDP is a step towards guaranteeing the company’s long-term success, as well as promoting the professional recognition and self confidence of its employees. Siganto & Stacey envisage the PDP will also provide the opportunity to benchmark their engineering skills against other companies.

image - (L to R) Deepak Ranasubramaniyan (Design Engineer), Donald Nguyen (Design Engineer), Will

Siganto (Managing Director), Jarryd Rapkins (Design Engineer) and Kevin Halse (Senior Design Engineer)

KlOHn crippen BerGer (KcBl)KCBL is an international engineering and environmental consulting firm that has been in business for over 60 years and worked on some of the biggest mining and water resource projects in the world. Their broad range of services include span hydropower development, bridges and roads, waste disposal in the metal and oil sands mining industries, and water resource projects. To continue to grow and sustain the organisation, KCBL sees the PDP as an opportunity to develop their next generation of talented professionals by providing them with training, tools and resources that will enable their professional development.

image - Chris Strachotta (Water Projects Manager), ian McEwan, Gerrad Suter (Associate and Brisbane

Manager, Senior Geotechnical Engineer) and Chris Dickinson (Principal and Regional Manager, Australasia)

aran tecHnOlOGy pty ltdAran Management is a supplier of high performance mixing plants for construction and mining projects around the world. Their objective in joining the PDP is for all of their engineers to work towards Chartered status while increasing their professional confidence. Aran Management aims to provide a supportive environment in which their engineers acquire new competencies, which will initiate opportunities for the continuous innovation of their products.

Image - Ian McEwan and Eric Keetman (Product Development and Engineering Group Manager)

Bmd (resigning)BMD have re-signed a PDP agreement with Engineers Australia, committing to their objective to support and mentor their engineers through the attainment of Chartered status. BMD recognises the need to develop the skills of its workforce to the highest level while providing a framework in which employees can succeed in their chosen career paths.

image - Megan Purdy and Geoff Lawrence (Civil Engineering Manager - SE Qld)

auStralian enerGy marKet OperatOr (aemO) AEMo consists of its six founding entities: National Electricity Market Management Company, victorian Energy Networks Corporation, Electricity Supply industry Planning Council, Retail Energy Market Company, Gas Market Company and Gas Retail Market operator. AEMo places Australia at the forefront of energy industry reform worldwide by delivering highly competitive and transparent gas and electricity markets underpinned by strong governance structures.

The Professional Development Program is a planned period of professional formation structured around an identified job and career progression. It can be tailored to match both the professional formation needs of employees and the business requirements of an organisation.PDPnew

signings

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A chance meeting by two passionate and inspirational people has developed into a fruitful partnership between two visionary organisations. Cheryl Buchanan, Chair of the Kooma Traditional Owners Association (KTOAI), and Lizzie Skinner, Engineers Without Borders’ (EWB) Indigenous Programs Coordinator, met in 2005 at ‘Green School’ in the Barmah State Forest, Victoria.

Cheryl suggested that EWB assist KTOAI with a waste management plan at their property 100 km south east of Cunnamulla. In 1999, the 90,000 hectare pastoral properties, Murra Murra and Bendee Downs, were acquired by the Indigenous Land Corporation for the social, cultural and educational benefit of all Kooma people. By July, 2000 the Kooma people began traditional owner business.

The initial waste management project eventually led to a partnership agreement that was signed by the KTOAI and EWB in December 2008. The agreement outlines the long term objectives to work together to improve the quality of life for Kooma people through education and sustainable engineering projects and a valuable two-way learning and sharing process.

One outcome has been the Kooma Energy Project with an initial energy audit identifying a solar energy system as the best environmentally sustainable option for the properties. Project sponsors, Virgin Blue, generously donated $145,000 to install the solar system and provide opportunities for partners to engage with each other in the two-way sharing process.

The solar panel installation - a 10 kW system with 56 panels and an inverter - was completed in September 2009 by EWB and KTOAI volunteers and suppliers, Infinity Solar. The panels can produce 50-60 kilowatts hours per day which is in excess of their daily needs. The homesteads at Murra Murra pay 18 c/kWhr and energy that is not used is exported to the grid for a payment of 44 c/kWhr.

EWB is following up the installation with a program for improving the energy efficiency of the property. EWB and the Kooma people have since been successful in a grant for the installation of evaporative air conditioning units from the Queensland Gambling Community Benefit Fund for almost $30,000.

EWB’S InDIGEnOuS AuSTrALIA PrOGrAM

EWB works with disadvantaged communities to improve their quality of life through education and the implementation of sustainable engineering projects. The organisation is involved with development projects internationally and within Australia. EWB is proudly committed to indigenous reconciliation and has signed a national reconciliation action plan (rAP) with reconciliation Australia.

EWB has over 4,000 members and 21 individual chapters and each of these are encouraged to develop their own local rAP. Included in the national plan are several projects for indigenous communities, including the Kooma Energy and Water Management Projects, the Kaiadilt Aboriginal Corporation Partnership and the Bana Yarrilji Bubu Aboriginal Corporation Partnership. EWB would like to challenge other engineering companies to develop their own rAP! For more information on volunteer opportunities, check out the EWB website ewb.org.au.

proud partnership

Kooma elders at the solar panel commissioning

(L to R) Bill Hooper, Doreen Grimshaw, Cheryl Buchanan, Tiger Speedy,

Sarah Glenbar and Dave Carline.

Kooma traditional owners association incorporated and engineers Without Borders

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it has been a few months now since i commenced as membership manager with the Queensland Division. it has been a great start, though in some ways it has been like drinking from a firehose! There is definitely a lot to learn. i’ve been made most welcome by Queensland members and the Division team. Thank you!

i am a native Canadian but i think of myself as an Aussie, just very not good at it yet. i know a love of vegemite is a rite of passage for all Aussies and you’re not ‘true blue’ until you’ve smeared your toast with the salty muck and devoured it as though it were a jam doughnut. Sadly, i cannot stand the stuff, so, i will have to be content as an adopted Aussie.....or great pretender!

To those who have met the Division’s Executive Director, ian McEwan, and me, you have no doubt observed some striking resemblances in our appearance. of course, this is a subjective thing, but i will say that ian is a very handsome man!

Despite my last name, i am not related to any famous Hoovers. People often ask about my name and i try to answer in a good humoured way. Just in case you’re curious, i don’t own any evening gowns, the only dam i’ve visited is Wivenhoe and i own a Dyson vacuum cleaner. Contrary to rumours to the

contrary, i have not changed my name from Electrolux via deed pole.

i have a commerce degree and a background in HR, information technology and management within the member based not-for-profit sector. i particularly enjoy assisting volunteer office bearers, who work so diligently to give back to their profession.

i am keen to enhance our systems of member support and service in the coming year. i aim to decrease the time it takes to respond to your requests, be proactive in approaching you to offer assistance and ensure that the CPD and Chartered programs are running effectively. in all of these efforts, i will focus equally on your individual requirements and the needs of the groups, panels and societies.

i look forward to the challenges and opportunities that are ahead and hope to support you to the best of my ability.

introducing our new Queensland membership managerTodd HooverTelephone 07 3832 3749Email thoover@engineersaustralia.org.au

Adams, Geoffrey FiEAust CPEngAgnew, Angus Quentin FiEAust Bradley, Andrew Peter FiEAust Capati, Bill FiEAust Clegg, Richard Edward FiEAust Jitno, Hendra FiEAust Leslie, Bruce Alexander FiEAust Nicholls, David Lyall FiEAust O’Sullivan, Brian FiEAust CPEngPhelps, Tim FiEAust CPEngPritchard , Ross FiEAust CPEngRoe, Gary Andrew FiEAust Wijeyakulasuriya, v. FiEAust CPEng

Alexander, Paul MiEAust CPEngBaker, Chris MiEAust CPEngBarnes, Loren MiEAust CPEngBarratt, Leigh MiEAust CPEngBlake, Ronald MiEAust CPEngCampbell, Grey MiEAust CPEngCapstaff, Bruce MiEAust CPEngChuleekiat, Thanawat MiEAust CPEngCromar, Barry MiEAust CPEngCuddihy, Brian MiEAust CPEngde Boer, Pieter MiEAust CPEngDoyle, Tracey MiEAust CPEngDriessen, Frank MiEAust CPEngEmery, Nic MiEAust CPEngGoei, Yeuk Ho MiEAust CPEngGoh, Liak MiEAust CPEngGordon, Stephen MiEAust CPEngHeese, Egbertus MiEAust CPEngHunt, Philip MiEAust CPEngIves, Nadia MiEAust CPEngJiang, Jeff MiEAust CPEngJoshi, Suman MiEAust CPEngKairu, Peter Maina MiEAust CPEngKennett, Daniel MiEAust CPEng

Kinnear, Brian MiEAust CPEngLatorre, Ariel MiEAust CPEngLoesche, Ralph MiEAust CPEngLynch, Michael MiEAust CPEngMannhardt, Thomas MiEAust CPEngMcDonald, Bryan MiEAust CPEngMitchell, Robert MiEAust CPEngMudahava, Bindu MiEAust CPEngMurazak, John MiEAust CPEngNeo, Yan MiEAust CPEngNitschke, Lisa MiEAust CPEngReuben, Rodney MiEAust CPEngRupasingha, Rupa MiEAust CPEngStupkin, Alex MiEAust CPEngStupkin, valery MiEAust CPEngSymington, William MiEAust CPEngThan, Raymond MiEAust CPEngThompson, John TMiEAust CEngTThompson, ian MiEAust CPEngTomlins, Zane MiEAust CPEngTrevethan, Bronwyn MiEAust CPEngVarsani, Anish MiEAust CPEngWheatley, Daryl MiEAust CPEng

Queensland Members that have recently attained Fellow status

Queensland Members that have recently attained Chartered status

Congratulations

see anyone you know?

Meet the rest of the Qld Division team on the About Us page at qld.engineersaustralia.org.au

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DATE ToPiC LoCATioN HoST

25 May in search of more sustainable production of biofuels Brisbane Joint Chemical Engineering Committee

28 May Annual engineers golf day Keperra Queensland Division

26 - 27 May Risk and liability management Brisbane Engineering Education Australia

31 May - 1 June Treatment plant hydraulics Brisbane EEA and ASCE

2 June Engineers Australia - USQ professional lecture series 1 Toowoomba Toowoomba Local Group

3 June Dynamic loading and response of structures Brisbane Structural Branch

3 - 4 June Stepping up to management Brisbane Engineering Education Australia

8 - 9 June Pumping system design for civil engineers Brisbane EEA and ASCE

17 - 18 June Project management practice: module 1 Gladstone Engineering Education Australia

21 - 22 June Contract management Brisbane Engineering Education Australia

23 - 24 June 18th Queensland water symposium Brisbane Water Panel

24 - 25 June Contract management Gladstone Engineering Education Australia

13 JulyHot dip galvanizing: characteristics, standards, trends and latest research

Brisbane Structural Branch

14 - 15 JulyProject management practice: module 2 - implementing projects

Brisbane Engineering Education Australia

19 July Breakthrough strategies for professional women Brisbane Engineering Education Australia

19 - 23 JulyDetailed engineering of piping systems and layout of piping systems

Brisbane EEA and ASCE

21 - 22 July Risk and liability management Gladstone Engineering Education Australia

31 July Central region engineering conference Bundaberg Burnett Local Group

2 - 8 August Engineering week State-wide Queensland Division

4 - 5 August Writing winning technical documents Brisbane Engineering Education Australia

9 - 10 AugustProject management practice: module 3 - managing people in projects

Brisbane Engineering Education Australia

9 - 10 August Heat exchanges Brisbane EEA and ASCE

16 AugustThe introduction of the eurocodes and the implications for structural engineers

Brisbane Structural Branch

19 - 20 August Gas transmission Brisbane Engineering Education Australia

19 - 20 AugustMechanical engineering practice: module 1 - mechanical service in commercial buildings

Brisbane Engineering Education Australia

19 - 20 August Stormwater management (source control) Brisbane Engineering Education Australia

19 - 20 August Stepping up to management Gladstone Engineering Education Australia

24 - 25 August Asset management Brisbane Engineering Education Australia

CPD PRESENTATioNS AND EvENTS

viEW CPD oNLiNE AT QLD.ENGiNEERSAUSTRALiA.oRG.AU