Engineering Development Checklists
Submitted by John Burton, Cairns City Council, Qld
Checklists include Design Submissions, Pre Start Meeting, Early Plan Sealing, and Works Acceptance Processes. Download zip file here

Sealing of gravel roads - provided by Brian Fitzgerald, La Trobe City, Vic
Assessment framework
Sealing of gravel roads policy

Accident Investigation Reporting Templates
1. Incident Investigation Template provided by Rod Kennedy, Logan City Council, Qld
2. Accident Investigation Procedure provided by Brian Turner, Tenterfield Shire Council, NSW
3. Accident Investigation Report provided by Brian Turner, Tenterfield Shire Council, NSW
4. Safety Alert Template provided by Graeme Roberts, Walch & Roberts Consulting Engineers, NSW
5. Safety Alert Sample provided by Graeme Roberts, Walch & Roberts Consulting Engineers, NSW

Construction Level Book - provided by Warren Sharpe, Eurobodalla Council, NSW
Construction Level Book.xls
Construction Level Book tutor.xls

Asphalt pavement failure - pyrites in the dolomitic base material- provided by Prospect Council, SA
Pyrites in Dolomitic Base

Mobile Phones & Cameras Policy - provided by Ipswich City Council
Policy Report
No Cameras Sign

Safety & Risk in Stormwater Systems - provided by Cairns City Council
Risk Assessment
Education Awareness Program

Gravel Crushing Contract - provided by Warwick Shire Council
Gravel Crushing

Customer Survey Samples used following Construction Projects - provided by Sarina Shire Council
Resident Survey
Employee Survey

NSW Excellence Awards Report

Download the 2001 Excellence Awards Book.

This yearly report summarises the winning, highly commended and nominated projects for each category in the Excellence Awards. The report demonstrated the continued outstanding achievements and innovation in public works engineering.

More information on the Excellence Awards, including application details and last years winning projects, can be found in the Awards section of the IPWEA website.

Copies of previous NSW Excellence Awards Books can be obtained from Caitlin Williams, on 02 8267 3007.

NSW Road Safety Excellence Awards Report

This annual report showcases the nominations and awarded projects form the Local Government Excellence in Road Safety Awards. The Road Safety Project's Awards and Criteria page has more information on the Road Safety Awards.

Copies of the NSW Road Safety Excellence Awards report can be obtained from Jacqueline Clarke, Road Safety Project Manager, on 02 8267 3012.

AUS-SPEC is a joint venture between IPWEA and Standards Australia. AUS-SPEC has produced 8 separate products for use in Local Government. The specifications and associated documentation provide an excellent platform for preparing both construction and maintenance contracts. AUS-SPEC is designed to eliminate unnecessary duplication of effort and resources as well as providing a uniform series of specifications Australia-wide.

The AUS-SPEC series is:

• AUS-SPEC 1 - Development Design and Construction
• AUS-SPEC 2 - Asset Owners Roadworks Specifications
• AUS-SPEC 3 - Standard Contract Documents
• AUS-SPEC 4 - Road Reserve Maintenance
• AUS-SPEC 5 - Guidelines for Development of Period Supply and Service Contracts
• AUS-SPEC 6A - Parks and Recreation Area Maintenance
• AUS-SPEC 6B - Buildings & Facilities Maintenance
• AUS-SPEC Design Manual
• Optional Update Service

AUS-SPEC is available in hard copy or electronic form. Order forms can be downloaded from the AUS-SPEC website. For pricing, order or further information on AUS-SPEC, contact Richard Bickle on ph. 02 8206-6470.

Corporate and Strategic Plans

The National Board has adopted the National Corporate Plan for 2000-2003, setting directions for the next three years. Feedback on any aspect of the plan can be sent to Chris Champion, National CEO.

The NSW Board has adopted the NSW Division Corporate and Business Plan for 2000-2002, setting directions for the next two years. Feedback on any aspect of the plan can be sent to Chris Little, NSW Executive Manager.

The IPWEA (NSW Division) Environmental Management Panel has adopted a 2001 - 2003 strategic plan outlining its operation, vision, objectives, achievements, strategies and actions for the next three years. Comments on the plan are welcome and should be sent to ipwea@ipwea.org.au.

Annual Reports

2004 Annual Reports have been produced for the:

• NSW Division
• NSW Division Financial Report

2003 Annual Reports have been produced for the:

• NSW Division
• NSW Division Financial Report

2002 Annual Reports have been produced for the:

• NSW Division

2001 Annual Reports have been produced for the:

• NSW Division,
• NSW Division Financial Report,
• Water Directorate,
• Streets Opening Conference, and
• Road Safety Project.

2000 Annual Reports have been produced for the:

• NSW Division,
• Water Directorate,
• Streets Opening Conference, and
• Road Safety Project.

Copies of the corporate plans or annual reports can be obtained from the NSW Office on 02 9267 6677.

Papers presented at IPWEA conferences can be downloaded from the Conference Papers section of the website.

Local Government Salinity Management Handbook

The greatest long term financial impacts of salinity may not be on agriculture, but on the shortened lifespan of infrastructure assets. Public works professionals have an important yet somewhat neglected role to play in salinity management.

IPWEA has prepared a Salinity Management Handbook as a resource guide for the Public Works Professional. The Handbook describes the current salinity situation in Australia. It describes pro-active approaches that can be taken to identify risks and emerging problems at a local level. Remedies and mitigation measures that can be employed are also suggested.

The 66 page Handbook is being released in draft form for comment prior to publication. Comment is encouraged from practitioners in local government as to whether the Handbook meets their needs, and from salinity specialists as to whether it is addressing the problems of salinity in an appropriate and effective way.

Download:

• the entire draft Salinity Management Handbook (large file approx. 4.5MB) or download sections of the Handbook:
• Part 1: Introduction, What is Salinity and Types of Salinity (approx. 1.5 MB)
• Part 2: The Current Situation in Australia, What are the Causes of Salinity (approx. 2.4 MB)
• Part 3: The Role of the Public Works Professional, Taking a Proactive Approach, Remedies and Mitigation Techniques, Catchment Management Issues, Case Studies, Appendices, Fax-back form (approx. 0.7 MB).

Please forward your comments or any enquiries on the draft Salinity Management Handbook to Chris Champion, National CEO of IPWEA.

State of the Environment Survey Report

The IPWEA (NSW Division) Environmental Management Panel surveyed all NSW Councils in 2000 to determine how State of the Environment reports are being used and what level of involvement engineers had in the process. The survey was also designed to elicit Council's attitude towards SOE reporting.

Download the State of the Environment Survey Report.

Specification for Supply of Recycled Material for Roads, Drainage and Fill

This Specification, also know as Greenspec, aims to encourage local government professionals and other key players in the public works engineering sector to maximise the use of recycled materials in public works. It also represents the first time an industry wide specification has been developed for the use of recycled materials in local roads, other pavements and civil works. Download a copy of the Specification here.

For more information, contact Brad Deane, Resource NSW on 02 8837 6000 or lsomogyi@ipwea.org.au, IPWEA on 02 8267 3001.

Recycled Construction and Demolition Materials for use in Roadworks and Other Local Government Activities

This scoping report considers the issues relating to the use of recycled construction and demolition materials for roadworks and other local government activities. It was prepared by the Centre for Built Infrastructure Research of the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS). The project was commissioned buy the IPWEA (NSW Division) and co-ordinated by the IPWEA's Recycled Material and Usage Panel. The project was assisted by the NSW Government.

Copies of the scoping report are available from ipwea@ipwea.org.au, 02 8267 3001.

Environmental Position Statements

The NSW Board adopted the following position statements in August 2001. Comments on the position statements are welcome and should be sent to ipwea@ipwea.org.au.

• salinity,
• the roadside environment,
• stormwater
• environmental reporting and
• solid waste.

Study Tour of Large Scale Effluent Reuse Schemes within the United States of America

In 2000, Michael Bryant was awarded an endowment to undertake a study tour of large scale public and private sector effluent reuse schemes used in the USA, and to determine their applicability to Australian conditions.

View the Executive Summary.

Read the final report (very large file - approx 4.5 MB).

Best Value

The 1999 foundation report - Best Value explores the origins and concepts behind Best Value, examines a number of agencies from the United Kingdom as case studies, each who have different opinions and roles in the implementation of this new policy, and makes some broad comment on the new direction. The Report was prepared by Mike Brady, Richard McCoy, Stewart McLeod, Ron Patton and Bill Woodcock.

Asset Management in a Competitive Environment

John Howard from Devonport City Council, Tasmania reports on his 1998 National Fellowship Award. The report investigated best practice asset management of local governments operating in a competitive environment. The research concluded that Australian local governments are well ahead of US and UK local governments in asset management.

Read the Asset Management in a competitive Environment report. (large file - 1.2 MB)

Public Works Engineering Australia (PWEA) is the official national journal of IPWEA. PWEA covers all the latest news and issues affecting public works engineering in Australia, as well as providing a round up of state events. Features for 2002 include:

• Streetscape;
• Stormwater Drainage;
• Asset Management;
• Water Supply;
• Domestic Waste Management;
• Road Construction and Maintenance;
• Waterways and Environment;
• Workplace Safety;
• Traffic Control;
• Recreational Facilities;
• Bridges; and
• Sewerage and Wastewater Treatment and Reuse.

IPWEA members receive a copy of the journal as part of their membership fees. Non members can subscribe to Public Works Engineering Australia through Hallmark Editions on (03) 9530 8900.

International Infrastructure Management Manual - New 2006 Edition

IPWEA is pleased to announce the launch of the 2006 edition of the International Infrastructure Management Manual.

The internationally renowned IIMM manual has been updated to reflect the advancing field of asset management.

This new edition continues the development of this manual as the foundation text in asset management theory and best practice.

Improvements include:

• More accessible for people new to the topic and easier to find your way around with summaries of each sub-section.
• Guidance within each section on how to develop the core (basic) elements of AM planning and advance to more sophisticated approaches where appropriate.
• More case studies from NZ, Australia, UK, USA, South Africa and Canada covering sectors including local government, water, transport, electricity, rail, and health.
• A full review of risk, optimised decision making and maintenance strategy sections to reflect current best practices.
• Better guidance and examples on data collection and management.
• Country-specific sections for NZ, UK, Australia, USA, and South Africa.
• Alignment with changes in legislation and standards such as the International Financial Reporting Standards, NZ Local Government Act 2002, and UK PAS55

How can you use the manual if just starting out ...or if trying to develop more advanced processes?

Download the flyer for further information.

You can order the new 2006 edition by downloading the ORDER FORM now. E-mail, mail or fax to IPWEA.

Or for other inquiries on the IIMM 2006, e-mail Lita Somogyi, or telephone +61 2 8267 3001.

Credit card pre-payment is required for overseas orders.

Gangers Handbook

The Manual for the Training of Gangers and a Guide to Work Practice is an indispensable handbook published by IPWEA (NSW Division). The fifth edition covers every important aspect of the Ganger's world including:

• Measurement and areas and volumes;
• Drainage;
• Kerb and guttering;
• Footpath construction;
• Maintenance of un-surfaced roads;
• Explosives - care and use;
• Concrete, bridges and culverts;
• Maintenance of parks and gardens;
• Stormwater drainage maintenance and construction;
• Water supply and sewerage; and
• Safety.

The Gangers Handbook can be purchased for $55 (including GST) plus postage and handling from Caitlin Williams on 02 8267 3007. This price includes an update service until 2007 when the Handbook will be reviewed.

Please note that there is currently a special offer on the Gangers handbooks. Please see the news section of this website for the latest offer.

NSW Regional Group Handbook

The NSW Regional Group Handbook provides an overview of the IPWEA (NSW Division) and is an invaluable reference document for Group chairs and secretaries. Whilst this document is available for all to read via the website, please note that it is specifically designed for Regional Group Secretaries and Chairs. The handbook will be updated over the Christmas 2003 period. It covers topics such as:

• The history of IPWEA;
• Membership grades and includes a membership form;
• The IPWEA (NSW Division) Constitution;
• The IPWEA (NSW Division) division structure and relevant contacts;
• Events, activities, programs, conferences, special projects, professional development and more;
• A list of IPWEA publications;
• Committees, Panels and Projects for which IPWEA (NSW Division) is secretariat;
• Regional Groups - overview, structure, contacts and meeting dates;
• The Municipal Engineering Foundation; and
• Endowments, scholarships and excellence awards.

NSW Division Newsletter

The NSW Division produces a quarterly newsletter which is sent to all NSW members. Hard copies of the NSW Newsletter can be obtained from Caitlin Williams, on 02 8267 3007. Alternatively, the newsletter can be downloaded in pdf format: (Note: there may be a short delay before downloading begins after selecting the newsletter)

NSW Division Member's Circular

The NSW Division produces a fortnightly Member's Circular which is e-mailed to all NSW members. Members can subscribe to the Circular by e-mailing IPWEA (NSW Division) with your name and e-mail address in the subject line. To download the Circular in pdf format, select an issue from the selection box below. (Note: there may be a short delay before downloading begins after selecting the Circular)

Local Government Road Safety

The Road Safety Project also produces a quarterly newsletter - Local Government Road Safety which is reproduced on the Road Safety Project website. Hard copies are available from Angela Delli-Pizzi, Road Safety Project Manager, on 02 8267 3012.

NSW Regional Groups Update Series

The NSW Regional Groups receive a quarterly newsletter covering the latest IPWEA activities and progress on existing projects. The Update series can be viewed on the NSW Regional Groups page.

NSW Local Government Water Directorate Newsletter

The Water Directorate produces a monthly newsletter sent to General Managers and to Water and Sewer Managers in 121 regional councils in NSW and also to approximately 100 contacts in government departments, councils and private industry across Australia.. Hard copies can be obtained from the Water Directorate, on 02 8267 3010.

Environmental Management Panel Newsletter

The IPWEA Environmental Management Panel produces a fortnightly newsletter which is sent to all Panel members. The newsletter covers the latest activities of the Panel and IPWEA as well as environmental news, conferences, seminars, grants and funding opportunities. Copies of the newsletter can be downloaded in pdf format from the Environmental Management Panel page. Hard copies are available from clittle@ipwea.org.au, on 02 8267 3013.

TAS Division Newsletter

October 2001
June 2001

A Guide to Developing Road Strategic Plans (Working Draft)

This guide highlights the benefits to Council and the community of having a Road Safety Strategic Plan. Recommendations included in the guide are based on the work of Councils across NSW and represent some departures from previously promoted road safety strategic planning practice.

The guide includes suggestion regarding the most appropriate forms of consultation and recommends that, for a plan to most effective, it should be integrated into Council's mainstream management processes. A "road map" is included to summaries key activities required to develop a road safety plan as well as providing case studies.

Copies of the working draft can be obtained from Angela Delli-Pizzi, Road Safety Project Manager, on 02 8267 3012.

Streets Opening Conference

Model Agreement for Local Councils and Utility Services Providers

The Model Agreement, prepared by the Streets Opening Conference, is intended as a practical tool for Councils and Utility/Service Providers. It is focused on promotion and facilitating best practice working arrangements for the provision, maintenance and relocation of infrastructure within road reservations, particularly where excavation within the road reserve is to occur.

This agreement is founded on the premise that coming to an understanding on co-operative processes provides the key to better meeting the objectives of the communities to which both Council and Utility/Service Providers supply their respective services.

Copies of the Model Agreement can be obtained from ipwea@ipwea.org.au, or 02 8267 3001.

Information Bulletin on Codes and Practices

The Streets Opening Conference has published a codes and practices booklet which is of use to Councils and Utility/Service Providers who are involved in the provision, maintenance and relocation of infrastructure within road reservations. It covers:

• Allocation of space in footways;
• Use of shared trenching;
• Provision and selection of trees;
• Use of trenchless technologies;
• Pre-construction planning;
• Excavation of carriageways and footways;
• Backfilling and compaction;
• Provision for traffic and pedestrians;
• Reinstatement and restoration; and
• Identification of services.

Copies of the Information Bulletin can be obtained from Lita Somogyi.

The IPWEA and NSW Local Government Water Directorate have made submissions to a number of legislative and policy reviews, scoping documents and Inquiries. Click on the drop-down box below to view the submissions (Note: there may be a short delay before downloading begins after selecting the submission).

Contact the Water Directorate on 02 8267 3010 or by Email: garymi@bigpond.com

• Operations and Maintenance Manual - Water Pumping Stations
• Operations and Maintenance Manual - Water Reticulation
• Operations and Maintenance Manual - Wet & Dry Well Sewage Pumping Stations
• Operations and Maintenance Manual - Water Reticulation
• Survey of NSW Local Government Effluent and Biosolids Reuse 2000
• Operations and Maintenance Manual - Sewer Reticulation
• Operations and Maintenance Manual - Chlorination Installations
• Operations and Maintenance Manual - Submersible Sewage Pumping Stations
• Blue Green Algae - Action Flow Chart
• Overview of the 1996 Australian Drinking Water Guidelines