February 2012 issue
What’s in this issue • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
From our President From our Director Meet the New Chief Executive Launch of Year of the Engineering Team Alice Springs New Members Science Maths & Real Technology Launch of Engineering Heritage Brochure Alice Springs Launch of the Year of Engineering Team Darwin Report from Young Engineers Young Engineers BBQ Defence of Darwin Experience Road Safety Forum IStructE - Dr Allan Mann Gold Medal Paper Challenges faced in the regional built environment by Jaswant Deo e-chartered— Competency standards under review CELM Luncheon Alice Professional Networking Forum Australian Rainfall and Run off Seminars Dates for your Diary
Welcome to 2012! It seems like time has flown by and we are already in March. It has been a busy start to the year with announcement of the Final Investment Decision for the Ichthys Project by Inpex and Total on the 13 January. As much of the work for the project is engineering based, our division members are likely to be part of the team making the project a reality. This is my first year of a two year appointment as President and I would welcome all Northern Division members to contact me with your ideas, concerns or queries so that I can raise the issues at a National Office level. We are a small division, with many geographical challenges, but certainly make a lasting impression on the National Stage with the hard work, innovation and dedication by our engineering teams. The theme for this year is the Year of the Regional Engineering Team – a topic that I believe resonates strongly with Northern Division members. The year is aimed at being an internal reflection of Engineers Australia and how it could better serve regional members. This is something that has been topical to the Northern Divi-
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sion Management Committee for some time. Northern Division is considered both regional and remote. My personal experience is that the more you put in, the more you get out of it – like anything worthwhile doing. I would be interested on member’s views on how Engineers Australia can improve the support given to regional and remote regions. On the 13 February, we celebrated the launch of the Year of the Regional Engineering Team with Lyndon Frearson as the keynote speaker. Lyndon was part of the CAT Projects team who won the “Sir William Hudson” award at the National Engineering Excellence Awards for the Bushlight India Project. Seventy years ago, on February 19, 1942 Darwin was bombed. In fact, this was the first and largest single attack on Australian soil. A number of events are being held to mark the occasion. Our new Engineers Australia CEO, Steve Durkin has visited Darwin to attend the launch of the new Engineering Heritage display at the new Darwin Military Museum. Engineers Australia has contributed $250,000 to the display and it is a worthwhile visit by members as it displays our division’s history. Steve then joined a morning tea with members in Alice Springs on his way back to Canberra. Louise McCormick President - Northern Division
2012 is the year during which we hope to improve our infrastructure to provide better support to members who are outside the urban area. The focus on the Year of the Regional Engineering Team will help us to facilitate this I am sure. There has been promise of video conferencing facilities for the meeting room which will give people an opportunity to participate in real time with any presentations that are happening in Darwin. We have talked about this for a few years now but I believe it will really happen this year. The launch of the year in Darwin and Alice Springs gave us great insight into the particular issues that are faced by people working and living in a small community, thanks to Lyndon Frearson from CAT Projects. Even Darwin meets this criteria compared to the Eastern seaboard where leaving work usually means no more contact with people affected by decisions you make on a daily basis. Those backyard barbecues in the NT are never completely free from comment about what you might be working on! The weekend commemorating the Bombing of Darwin was a big occasion for Engineers Australia. The Defence of Darwin Experience museum is a wonderful resource both for tourists and local people. Northern Division’s partnership in this resource is well highlighted and you will find references to the role of engineers in the military as soon as you walk through the door. If you haven’t had a chance to see it yet please put it in your diary. Our new CEO for Engineers Australia Stephen Durkin was here for the weekend and a few of you got to meet him, particularly in Alice Springs. Steve’s presentation to members in Darwin had very few people in attendance which was a pity as he outlined his thoughts for the future of the organisation. Hopefully there will be another chance to hear him in the future. Peter and I visited a factory in France during our travels in January and we were amazed at the lack of OHS that existed there. We have become accustomed to stringent rules and inductions in Australia and whilst we
might grizzle about some of it I can assure you that there are still some very unsafe practices occurring in other parts of the world where you may not expect it. On the other hand the new laws in Australia are exceedingly severe on anyone who breaks them. Your superannuation personally can be at risk and even a jail sentence if you are deemed responsible for non compliance. Make sure you know what the legislation says and how it could affect you. We are sad to see Chris Jenkins return to Newcastle but wish him well with his sailing in that part of the world. We welcome Chris Lugg into the assessor’s role in Northern Division so the hard work that has seen an increase in CPEng candidates will continue. A recent meeting with the head of the Department of Education and Training advised us about the changes to the Certificate of Education that students receive when they complete year 12. In recent years there have been complaints about the lack of numeracy and literacy amongst these school leavers and we have constantly been commenting on this. These are now going to be compulsory subjects to achieve the certificate. In addition teaching degrees in the future require students to include science and maths as well as having done these subjects at secondary school. For many years there have been concerns that most of the teachers in primary school have no background in these subjects and young students lose interest in them by about year 4 as a consequence. There will clearly be a transitional period but it is a positive start we believe. Thank you to all of you who have tried hard to utilize our website for booking into functions. It certainly makes it easier for us to know who is attending an event and saves a lot of drama with payments. I am aware that there are times when this lets us down but I believe this is happening less now than in the early days. I look forward to seeing you at many events this year. Bronwyn Russell Director Northern Division
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Engineers Australia appoints new Chief Executive Stephen Durkin has recently been appointed as CEO of Engineers Australia, the professional association for the advancement of engineering representing over 95,000 members through nine divisions across Australia and through a number of
He loves watching and playing sport especially golf, tennis, cricket and football - the list is long. am a passionate Richmond supporter in the AFL and barrack for the Tigers in the NRL. I also spend as much time as possible watching and getting involved in my sons’ sporting teams. Stephen visited Darwin and Alice Springs from 17 to 21 February. Members had an opportunity to meet Stephen in both Darwin and Alice Springs. CAT Projects hosted the “Year of the Regional Engineering Team” launch as well as a meet n’ greet for Alice Members. During his visit to Darwin he attended the Bombing of Darwin Commemorative Ball, Defence of Darwin Experience Chief Minister’s welcome and sponsor’s event, a book launch and a film on the Bombing of Darwin entitled “The Awkward Truth” which was very compelling. There was also a signing of a PDP agreement with Department of Lands and Planning with Minister McCarthy and Louise McCormick and Sharon Noske from Lands and Planning. Stephen hit the ground running in Darwin and was exhausted when he left. The staff enjoyed the opportunity to have face to face contact with the Chief Executive and found him to be very approachable and progressive.
overseas chapters. Stephen has an Honours Degree in Civil Engineering and a MBA and has lived and worked in a number of countries around the world including Canada, Hong Kong and Thailand. Upon graduating as an engineer, Stephen worked for several years for Sinclair Knight Merz as well as Fluor Daniel Wright and Sandwell Swan Wooster in Canada and Pro-En Consultants in Bangkok. Stephen was Victorian Young Engineer of the Year in 1993. Prior to his appointment at Engineers Australia, Stephen worked for sixteen years at National Australia Bank in a range of people leadership, business strategy, marketing and product development roles. Stephen’s roles and achievements at NAB have included: State Manager of the Retail Bank in NSW/ACT; strategy adviser on the NAB’s Asian operations; responsible for the premium financial services segment across NAB’s international banks; part of the due diligence team on the acquisition of MLC; National Head of Sales and New PDP Partner Marketing for Personal Bank; and responsible for two national third party distribution businesses. Engineers Australia signed a new PDP contract Stephen’s career interest is in running innovative and with Department of Lands and Planning with Hon. Gerry customer-focused businesses and is especially interested McCarthy, Minister for Infrastructure and Planning and creating team leadership cultures and supporting staff to Chief Executive Stephen Durkin in February. realise their potential. Outside of Work: Time outside of work for me is all about relaxing with family, my wife Debbie and two boys, Ben and Charlie. In 2010, our family returned to Melbourne after five great years in Sydney. We live in Beaumaris, only a short walk to the beach where we like spending time relaxing. On the weekends, I like nothing better than heading out to dinner with friends. I enjoy all types of food, especially Thai and Japanese. Minister McCarthy and Stephen Durkin signing PDP agreement
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Year of the Regional Engineering Team - Alice Springs Launch
Congratulations to our new New Chartered Members
During Stephen Durkin’s, Chief Executive of Engineers Australia visit to the Top End he did a fleeting fly-in to Alice Springs where he attended “The Year of the Engineering Team” launch at CAT Project’s office. Over 30 members and invited guests took the opportunity to meet with Stephen during the launch with Director of Northern Division, Bronwyn Russell. A morning tea was held and Stephen took the opportunity to explain his focus for Engineers Australia including his 4 key components:
Engineers Australia Northern Division wishes to congratulate the following members who have attained chartered (CPEng) status recently.
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
Bob Coleman MIEAust CPEng Amr Edrees MIEAust CPEng Daly Kelly MIEAust CPEng Eric Vanweyveld MIEAust CPEng
Welcome to our new Fellows
• •
Member focused culture Visible, accessible & relevant to existing and potential members
• •
Engineers Australia Northern Division also wishes to acknowledge our newest Fellows:
Commercially viable
♦ ♦
Professionalism
All who attended welcomed the opportunity to meet the new Chief Executive and raise any concerns they had regarding their membership. Following on from the launch Bronwyn and the team took the opportunity to attend the Heritage Brochure launch at Adelaide House in the afternoon.
Brendan Lawson FIEAust PSM Peter Mill FIEAust
Northern Division New Members Welcome to Northern Division’s new members since 1 January 2012:
Name
Grade
Firouzeh Aman Poor
MIEAust
Eric Vanweydeveld
MIEAust CPEng
Padraic Bradley
GRADIEAust
Roopie Liyanage
MIEAust
Thomas Carpentier
GRADIEAust
Margaret Bartholomew
STUDIEAust
Thomas Noone
GRADIEAust
Stephen Currie
STUDIEAust
Dylan Mitchell
STUDIEAust
Phillip Decet
STUDIEAust
Ranpati Priyanganie
MIEAust
Andy Jacka
MIEAust CPEng
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Science Maths and Real Technology and Crocodiles The Engineers Australia Northern Division youth programs got off to a fantastic start in 2012 with the S.M.A.R.T program visiting schools across Darwin and Palmerston. With the assistance of the SHELL social Investment grant, Engineers Australia was able to offer this program to twice as many schools as before. Even with that assistance, the response from schools wanting us to visit was overwhelming and unfortunately we couldn’t visit them all! Over 10 days the S.M.A.R.T Presenter, Sarah –Jane, performed 28 shows at 15 schools to over 2000 primary school students! With visits ranging from Darwin city schools all the way out to Bees Creek and Humpty Doo, all the students responded in the same way – with excitement. The interactive and fun show highlighted the technology and science behind every child’s favourite activities, TV, Movies and computer games. Between learning about how sound waves work by using interpretive dance, and learning about new 3D technology, students gained an understanding about how science and engineering careers can be found in exciting fields for everyday uses. In her down time, Sarah-Jane managed to sneak in a leisurely swim with some giant salt water crocodiles in the ‘Cage of Death’ and then, much to everyone’s surprise ( including her own) Sarah-Jane sat down with the keepers at Crocodlyus for a nice spot of tea and scones inside one of the enclosures. She was even ‘lucky’ enough to feed Chopper, a 5.5m monster crocodile… although she was somewhat hesitant, the keeper helped her out with encouraging words…’CLOSER! Get closer!’. No doubt SarahJane will never forget her first visit to Darwin. The next S.M.A.R.T visit will start in May, just after the Science & Engineering Challenge, and we are confident that the students and
schools of Arnhem Land will be just as excited as those in Darwin. With nearly every student throwing their hands up to the question “Who here loves Science?”, the future of engineering and science in Australia is looking better. Keely Quinn SMART Coordinator
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Launch of Engineering Heritage Brochure Alice Springs
“Year of the Regional Engineering Team” Launch - Darwin
“The Year of the RegionSeveral Alice Springs al Engineering Team” Launch members and interested local was held at the Holiday Inn, heritage groups helped to develLitchfield Room on 13 Februop a brochure to enable tourists ary 2012. and locals to identify some of the Lyndon Frearson took unique and interesting engineertime out of his busy schedule ing features around the town. The launch was held at Adelaide to travel to Darwin to talk about his experiences working House in the Mall on Tuesday 21 Damien Ryan, Mayor of Alice in regional and remote areas February. The Alice Springs Mayor Damian Ryan spoke about including Alice Springs. He spoke about the challenges the local heritage and encouraged people to find the sites and enjoyment of community in the areas in which he has worked. and visit them. Lyndon also touched on the National Engineering Adelaide House was originally a hospital and had passive airconditioning which was routed through the Excellence Award that CAT Projects won in 2011 at Parbasement of the building using water and hessian to cool liament House - “The Sir William Hudson Award” . He the rooms. An adjacent building houses the original pedal said “if a small firm from Alice Springs can win then it radio that was developed by Alf Traegar. Nobody had to demonstrates the innovative opportunities for for people go far to see two of the sites that are highlighted on the working outside large metropolitan centres”. Larger enbrochure! We were fortunate to have a grandson of Eddie gineering firms told CAT to use this unique opportunity Connellans at the launch, another important link to Alice for future development. Lyndon advised that they have so much work deSprings history. The isolation of the town in the midst of Australia veloping their current projects in India that it will be sowed the seed for many innovative projects which con- some time before they can expand into other markets. Over 30 members attended this launch and entinues until today. CAT Projects are leading the way in Australia with innovation which was demonstrated by joyed a 2-course luncheon. their winning the Sir William Hudson Award in Canberra in November, the highest accolade a project can win in Australia. This brochure joins the two that have been accomplished around Darwin to make a suite of three. There are plans to consider other areas of the NT for future brochures. The brochure was produced with the assistance from Department of the Chief Minister 2011 Centenary Grants Program Northern Territory Government and the Department of Justice Community Benefit Fund. Engineers Australia thanks these departments for their continued support.
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Northern Division appoints new National Assessor - Chris Lugg FIEAust Chris Jenkins departed Northern Division on 16 February to return to Newcastle Division. We are pleased to announce that Chris Lugg has been appointed as National Assessor for Northern Division. The Division has found that since we have had our Assessor that the number of members applying for CPEng has increased. Chris grew up in Darwin and attended Darwin High School before going on to Adelaide to complete his Engineering studies from which he graduated in 1978. He got a job, on his way home from his final exam , at Tecalemit A/Asia , a leading components supplier to the car industry. He led a team in a successful product development project which received an Australian Design Award. He was appointed Chief Engineer at Tecalemit and was responsible for the Australia/Pacific region, a position he held for four years.
He then moved to ROH Wheels as General Manager of the Alloy Division . At the time ROH produced about 95% of all wheels made in Australia , mostly as an original equipment supplier. The Alloy Division was making about 25000 wheels per month but losing money as margins were slim and overheads were high. He reorganised this division to become much more efficient and return to profitability producing more than 40,000 wheels/month ; the majority of which were exported. He returned to Darwin after that and took a position as Senior Business Advisor with the NT Government. He then moved back to the private sector running his own Engineering Company and diversifiying into agriculture and property development. He entered the NT Parliament in 1997 and in 1999 was made a Minister holding several portfolios . He started as a Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering at Charles Darwin University in 2011, to pass on some of the things he have learnt, to the Engineers of tomorrow. If you are interested in becoming chartered contact Chris at Northern Division. Chris Lugg, National Assessor
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Report from the Young Engineers There is plenty planned for young engineers in the coming year, with a mix of professional development and social events. March sees some members of YEAND committee go along to CDU to encourage the first year students to join Engineers Australia and get involved in the Young Engineers’ events. In April we are hoping to do a talk on what life is like when you’re an engineer on a fly-in-fly-out project – a good talk for those who are contemplating going down that career path and ties-in with this year’s theme of Regional Engineering Team. A visit to the Navy Boats is planned for May, a popular trip that hasn’t been made for almost two years now. Signing up early will be recommended. And you may want to get practising for the Annual Ten-Pin Bowling Competition that will be held in June. Currently a team of Architects hold the trophy (although some of their team were YEAND committee members), so it’s time that the young engineers took back the trophy! Another social event follows in July, with the annual golf competition – engineers of all skill levels are welcome, anyone from Tiger Woods to just anybody who has heard of golf. It’s always a fun afternoon, with various prizes up for grabs. We are hoping to have a return of our “GenX” dinner, where young and experienced engineers get to mix. It is a great chance for young engineers to meet their peers and benefit from their experience, whilst the senior engineers can gain an understanding of the new generation's perspective, and meet the Territory’s up-andcoming engineers. This year, as the event will be in August, we will have an Olympics 2012 theme. September comes a chance for young engineers to win some prize money whilst practicing their communication skills by entering our Presentation Competition. The competition will involve giving a short presentation on any engineering based subject, perhaps you’ve been working on an interesting project, answer questions and a panel of judges will decide on who is the winner. A networking opportunity with fellow professionals such as the young architects and young planners has been pencilled in for October, and our year comes to a close with the Christmas meeting at the end of November / early December.
We are also planning for a couple of other events through-out the year, with the aim of helping young engineers work towards Chartered Status, and cover subjects that may be of interest to the engineering team. So if there is anything that you would like to see (the flyin-fly-out seminar has come about from feedback), or would like to get involved then just drop John-Paul Foster an email at yeand@engineersaustralia.org.au Hope to see you at the events! J P Foster President Young Engineers
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Young Engineers Welcome BBQ 2012 24th March Are you a young engineer who is new to Darwin, or just want to meet other young engineers and find out what events the YEAND committee have planned for the coming year? Then come along to East Point Reserve, there’ll be some food, beer, and soft drinks available. You may wish to bring some of your own (BYO alcohol as well). The BBQ starts at 3:00pm on Saturday 24th March. It’s a great chance to catch up over a game of beach cricket and a couple of other activities. Open to all Young Engineer members! Proudly sponsored by Wallbridge & Gilbert Registration - go to www.engineersaustralia.org.au/northern-
division/events
Defence of Darwin Experience
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At the Ball
19th February 2012 commemorated the 70th year of the first Bombing of Darwin and many people returned for the occasion. In addition, the new CEO for Engineers Australia, Stephen Durkin, visited to take part in the activities especially as Northern Division was a partner in the Chief Minister and Governor General new Defence of Darwin Experience. This museum is located at the East Point precinct where there are many buildings in situ as well as the collection by the RAAA which has been carefully gathered over many years. Much of the information in this new resource is available electronically and there is so much to see you will need many hours and several visits to take it all in. An App will guide you around other places of interest outside the precinct including the location of the submarine boom net and other items of significance. The building was officially opened on the Saturday by the Governor General and there were many dignitaries in attendance. Other events over the weekend included a ball on the Saturday evening, the official ceremonies on Sunday morning and a special event at the museum for the Division Committee on Sunday night. The documentary called the Bombing of Darwin; an Awkward Truth had its premiere on Friday night which was also well attended. Other members had the opportunity to visit with the Curator on Thursday to gain a better understanding of how the information has been collated. If you haven’t been to see this new resource yet than I can certainly recommend it. Talking to many of the veterans who were in attendance for the weekend was a special honour as they reminisced about their time here. Two books were launched during the weekend one of which described the experiences of evacuees in 1942. This is a very moving account of how women and children were treated as they were taken down south to escape the military situation in the north. Not something our country should be proud of. Another book by Peter and Sheila Forrest will also be worth reading.
Darwin Defenders
Band & Choir
Governor General Quentin Bryce
2012 Gala Dinner Don’t miss this year’s funfilled event Keynote speaker, Her Honour the Administrator, The Honourable Sally Thomas Date:
28th March 2012
Venue:
Arafura Ballroom, Holiday Inn Esplanade
Time:
Pre-dinner drinks from 6.30pm
Tickets:
$66.00 for Members Non-Members $77.00 (includes 3 course meal and pre-dinner drinks. Drinks at table on cashbar basis)
Registra6on:
www.engineersaustralia.org.au/northern-division/ events
For more informa6on contact the division on 8981 4137 or email nt@engineersaustralia.org.au
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Engineering Leadership Conference - May 2 to June 2, 2012 With the extraordinary insights gained from Engineering Leadership Conference 2010 still fresh in our memory, it's now time to diarise the next conference which is only 2 short months away. The conference runs from 30 May 2012 to 2 June 2012 at the Adelaide Convention Centre, with workshops and technical tours on the first day, paper presentations, poster sessions and workshops on the two formal session days and a Conference social tour on the final day (Saturday). The spirit of the 2010 conference and its outcomes have paved a path to this coming conference theme Passing the Baton - Engineering Australia's Future. Specifically designed conference content and addresses by eminent international and local keynote speakers will focus on the global issues that will shape the future of our industry in the 21st C. As emerging leaders learn and develop their skills based upon the experience of others, the intelligence growth of our industry relies more and more on substantial and robust business events such as the Engineering Leadership Conference. It will deliver on the theme as resolutely as the last conference. Add the website www.elc2012.org to your favourites and visit regularly for updates and information on conference content, keynote speakers, registration details and special announcements. Make sure to fast forward you diary to 30 May 2012 - 2 June 2012 and mark the dates for the Engineering Leadership Conference. It's not to be missed!
“Year of the Regional Engineering Team� Initiative $1,000 allocated for rural and regional members to attend 2012 Engineering Leadership conference
There is an opportunity for a member of Engineers Australia Northern Division to attend this conference in Adelaide. Applicants are asked to submit 300 words as to why they should be selected to attend the conference and what they will get out of the conference! Entries will be judged by the Division Committee. Registration is online by visiting www.engineersaustralia/northern-division/events Applicants must provide an article for the newsletter following the conference to tell us about their experience (Applicants or their employers will be responsible for airfares and accommodation)
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Australia Division – Northern Territory Group http://www.istructev.tk/ Meeting:
13th April 2012
Title:
Passing on Knowledge The Institution of Structural Engineers 2011 Gold Medal Paper
Speaker:
Dr Allan Mann, Manchester, United Kingdom Dr Mann’s lecture presentation will be based around his 2011 Gold Medal address to the Institution of Structural Engineers. In his talk, Dr Mann will discuss the many accomplishments of structural engineers but also the challenges that we all face in building a better world. Drawing from his own career, Dr Mann will discuss the range of technical skills we have to acquire and what our duties are in passing such knowledge on to the next generations. Dr Mann has considerable experience in general structural engineering and has worked a great deal in the nuclear industry, in steelwork, seismic engineering and on 'rides'; including the 'London Eye' and larger wheels in China. Although recently retired (sort of), Allan continues to finish off work on a very large cooling tower (180m) in Belchatow Poland Power station and Ito provide advice of a specialist nature around the world. Some of this advice is to do with failure investigation but in the UK he has often worked directly with contractors assisting on projects where the integration of design and construction activities is particularly close and most specially in structural steelwork. Allan also continues to lecture part-time on seismic design at two UK universities, and remains active in professional circles and I give a number of public lectures. Dr Mann was invited to present at a Symposium on ‘learning from structural failures’ held by the Victoria State Group. Dr Mann is also presenting at various other locations around Australia.
Venue: Engineers Australia, 14 Shepherd Street, Darwin Time:
12 noon Light Lunch served
Registration online www.engineersaustralia/northern-division/events
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We>er Season Likely for Northern Australia The Bureau of Meteorology suggests that the outlook for February to April 2012 for the NT more likely to have wetter season. The drivers of this outlook are a warmer than normal Indian Ocean and cool conditions in the tropical Pacific associated with La Niña.
Chance of exceeding the median Rainfall February to April 2012 (taken from Bureau of Meteorology 2012) The Bureau suggests the chances of receiving above median rainfall between February to April period are between 60 and 70% over the tropical north of Australia. The southern half of the NT can expect a near equal chance of wet or dry conditions. La Niña conditions persist across the tropical Pacific. Computer models surveyed by the Bureau suggest the current La Niña event will persist through the remainder of the southern hemisphere summer and early autumn. These forecast weather predictions need to be taken into consideration in our construction management strategies for 2011/12 wet season. While we have had some rain in the NT this wet season we need to be mindful that there is more rain to come. Construction and Project Managers need to manage their works so as to minimise potential impact to the environment not just based on the time of the year but also based on potential weather impacts. Too often we start projects because they have a high priority only to find later that the cost of rehabilitation of these projects from impacts to weather has significant impact on our contingency costs which should be used for construction changes not weather damages. For more information on La Niña, rainfall outlook maps and tables refer to the Bureau’s website at www.bom.gov.au . Article supplied by Kirsty McInness Society for Sustainability and Environment Engineering
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Competency Standards under Review Engineers Australia is currently reviewing its Stage 2 Competency Standards for Professional Engineer, Engineering Technologist and Engineering Associate. The revision seeks to further align the standards with interna%onal benchmarks, including those of the Interna%onal Engineering Alliance. The new standards seek to balance this rigour with a more userThe e-chartered Team friendly approach across mul%ple areas of prac%ce. Competency standards for the engineering profession have experienced significant development overseas since the original dra)ing of the Australian Engineering Competency Standards in the early 1990s. The New Zealand government proclaimed the Chartered Professional Engineers Act in 2002, using competency standards as the basis for registra%on. The Interna%onal Engineering Alliance (origina%ng from the Washington Accord) has developed professional competency exemplar statements which are similar to the New Zealand competencies. The Engineering Councils of South Africa and the UK also use similar statements of competence. The 2012 revision has adopted much of this interna%onal work. The 2012 revision clarifies the competencies. There are 16 proposed elements of competence directed towards self, community, workplace and outputs. Collec%vely, the competencies express the knowledge and skill base, engineering applica%on abili%es, and professional skills, values and a3tudes that must be demonstrated to prac%se independently or unsupervised. Applicants will be able to iden%fy and provide the required evidence of their competency more flexibly while maintaining the standards of being chartered. A public consulta%on phase as part of the review was held from November 2011 to January 2012. This included the receipt of comments via the Engineers Australia website and at industry forums held in Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide. During the consulta%on phase over 80 comments were received and over 200 a;ended the industry forums. Comments were generally posi%ve. For example, Bruce Freer, senior engineer and Professional Development Program coordinator at Ci%West Water, said: “From our ini%al reading, the content of this document was most encouraging. It appears that the concerns we hold have been iden%fied and the flexibility alluded to in the text should make addressing the indicators of competency more achievable. We congratulate EA on this ini%a%ve and look forward to updates on the 2012 proposal.” The revised dra), now on the EA website at h;p:// www.engineersaustralia.org.au/stage2revision, reflects the comments made and discussions held. Engineers Australia has ini%ated a pilot program, open to select EA Members, to refine the proposed 2012 standards. The change-over of applica%ons from the 2004-2012 standards, in par%cular the management of PDP par%cipant assessments, has also been considered. EA will publish a process that will show how
the new system will recognise prior assessment. In these circumstances EA will accept applica%ons using the 2004-2012 standards a)er 1 July 2012. Informa%on will be distributed to PDP Partners and par%cipants and published on the EA website. Michael Bevan is Engineers Australia’s associate director for registra on. The Engineers Australia website provides up-to-date informa on for the Stage 2 competency review. This ar cle first appeared in the February 2012 issue of Engineers Australia magazine, published by Engineers Media, and appears here with permission.
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Sponsorship Opportunities Are you interested in sponsoring Engineers Australia Northern Division?
Our sponsorship prospectus is now available Want to know more? Contact Karen on 8981 4137 or email krelph@engineersaustralia.org.au
Alice Springs Professional Networking Opportunity
The Alice Springs regional group are conduc%ng a professional networking opportunity for members and non-members at Power and Water Corpora%on’s offices in Sadadeen Valley. All Alice Springs members are invited to a;end and bring along a colleague who may be interested in hearing about the benefits of becoming a member of Engineers Australia. Date:
22 March 2012
Time:
4:30pm to 6:00pm
Venue:
Power & Water Corpora%on Sadadeen Valley Alice Springs
Registra6on: www.engineersaustralia.org.au/northern-division/events If you want to know more contact Felicity Wall at Power and Water Alice Springs by email at feleicitywall@gmail.com
Do you have 6me on your hands and wish to volunteer to encourage our young people? Science and Engineering Challenge 2012 on May 2 & 3 is looking for you! To register your interest in volunteering for this youth oriented program visit www.engineersaustralia/northern-division/youth-science-programs
When: Where: Register:
Friday 19th April Time: 12:30pm Engineers Australia, 14 Shepherd St Darwin www.engineersaustralia.org.au/northerndivision/events
When: Where: Register:
Friday 19th April Time: 12:30pm Engineers Australia, 14 Shepherd St Darwin www.engineersaustralia.org.au/northerndivision/events
Date
Ac%vity
Venue and Registra%on
19 March
e-chartered presentations for PDP
Engineers Australia
8:30am - 4:30pm
Partners
14 Shepherd Street, Darwin
22 March
Road Safety Forum
Engineers Australia
5:00pm
14 Shepherd Street, Darwin Registration www.engineersaustralia/ northern-division/events
22 March 4.30pm to 6:00pm 24 March
Alice Springs Professional networking opportunity
Power & Warer Corporation
Young Engineers Welcome BBQ
East Point Reserve
3:00pm
28 March
Sadadeen Valley Alice springs
Registration www.engineersaustralia/ northern-division/events Gala Dinner
6.30pm
Arafura Ballroom Holiday Inn, The Esplanade Registration www.engineersaustralia/ northern-division/events
30 March 12 noon
13 April
Keynote Speaker from Shell Australia Luncheon
Skycity International Room
Dr Allan Mann, The Insititution of Structural Engineering 2011 Gold Medal Paper
Engineers Australia
Registration www.engineersaustralia/ northern-division/events
14 Shepherd Street, Darwin Registration www.engineersaustralia/ northern-division/events
19 April
Australian Rainfall & Runoff Seminar
Engineers Australia 14 Shepherd Street, Darwin Registration www.engineersaustralia/ northern-division/events
24 April
Sponsors cocktail func%on
TBA
2 & 3 May
Science & Engineering Challenge Darwin
Charles Darwin University
Date to be confirmed
Science & Engineering Challenge Alice Springs
TBA
7—11 May
SMART Islands Tour
Various Island loca%ons in the Northern Territory
26 July
Engineering Excellence Awards
Fannie Bay Racecourse “Skyline” marquee Registra%on: www.engineersaustralia/ northern-division/events
7—10 August
Engineering Week
Various