Sydney Division

This month, on July 20 will see the launch of the 2010 NSW Infrastructure Report Card, seven years on from the first Report Card in 2003. Please visit the EA website to access the Report Card which considers the infrastructure of roads, rail, ports and airports, water, electricity, gas and telecommunications. If you have been following the situation in NSW over recent years the results should not be too surprising. There is an urgent need to more closely align infrastructure provision with urban development planning, particularly in the area of having adequate public transport put in place prior to populating new subdivisions.

The North-West Sector around Rouse Hill is a prime example of where this has not happened, and this is just adding more congestion on our roads as shown by the peak hour gridlock on the M2 and M4. Of course, a change in employer attitude to working from home and having more flexible working hours could mean that employees do not always have to struggle to an office during peak hours. This in turn could have a significant impact on reducing the number of vehicles on the roads, and in future alleviate some traffic problems. While the Report Card provides an independent assessment of the present state of the infrastructure and may find it wanting, another purpose of the report is to provide some pointers as to suggested improvements and to highlight developments that are either proposed or in progress. For example, major expenditure on the ports at Port Kembla and Newcastle, and the Enfield intermodal inland ‘port' is well underway.

Another issue which all members should be well aware of by now is the invitation to provide online feedback and comments on the second consultation draft By-Laws as part of the current review of the By-Laws. "The aim of this review is to develop a contemporary governing document that is equitable, compliant with legislation and meets our organisation's needs. A first draft has been reviewed by Congress and the feedback has resulted in a second draft". National Congress will be reviewing the member feedback at the August meeting and it is vital that as many members as possible have their say.

Australian Engineering Week is in the first week of August and is rapidly approaching with an interesting speaker for the Harricks Address, an exciting forum, an Engineers Breakfast, a range of site visits and other activities for students. An excellent program has been put together by Dr Richard Barnes and his hard-working committee and I congratulate their efforts. This week provides a major showcase of what engineering is all about and is a key activity of Sydney Division. Your participation and encouragement to the broader community to attend would be appreciated.

If you have any comments or feedback please send them via Sydney Division office at Chatswood, through the Sydney Division website or an email to: SydneyPresident@engineersaustralia.org.au .

Please note that my views and opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Engineers Australia Sydney Division, or the Division Committee.

Ian Ackland FIEAust CPEng
Engineers Australia Sydney Division President 2010