Activities & Publications
Engineering Heritage Recognition Program
The Engineering Heritage Recognition Program is an updated version of the Australian Historic Engineering Plaquing Program which was established in 1984 as a means of bringing public recognition to engineering works of historic or heritage significance and to the engineers who created them. The aims of the program are to encourage the conservation of Australian engineering heritage, and to raise community awareness of engineering and the benefits it provides.
Oral History Program
The National Engineering Oral History Program was established in June 2001. Its purpose is to record the experiences and achievements of nationally significant engineers. Over time it will also establish an engineering oral history data-base which can be accessed by researchers, biographers, historians, journalists, social scientists etc.
Conservation & Management of Engineering Heritage
Engineers Australia is dedicated to conserving significant items of engineering heritage in a manner that conforms to both statutory requirements and the philosophy of the Burra Charter and to help provide the skills required by engineers for conservation of all the nation's built heritage.
An engineer's role in conservation of built heritage requires understanding of the conservation process. Most existing guidelines are not entirely applicable to engineering heritage in particular or the engineering aspects of built heritage in general, consequently EHA has prepared and published "Engineering Heritage and Conservation Guidelines", aimed specifically at engineers, in order to assist professionals in protecting significance during conservation projects.
Registration
Engineering works have been at the forefront of improvements to public health and quality of life. The engineering of roads, railways, telecommunications, power, sewerage and water supply etc. has produced substantial benefits for mankind and much architectural progress has depended on significant engineering input. The conservation of our engineering and industrial heritage provides continuity with the past and with the Nation's growth. It demonstrates the development of ideas and technology and celebrates the genius of our engineering forebears. The conservation of this national heritage asset is substantially dependant on heritage engineers.
Heritage and conservation engineering requires applications and adaptations of all the traditional disciplines of engineering, together with an understanding of the elementary scientific principles involved which might not be directly referenced in current practice procedures. Practitioners need to be aware of all the phases involved in conservation and the role of other professions, such as historians, archaeologists and architects.
The purpose of establishing a recognised area of practice called ‘Heritage and Conservation Engineering' is to provide accreditation for professional engineers competent in that field, and for those where heritage and conservation engineering is a significant area of their professional practice.
Management of the Specific Area of Competency for Heritage and Conservation Engineering is the responsibility of a competency panel comprising representatives of Engineering Heritage Australia and the Colleges of Civil, Structural, Mechanical and Electrical Engineers, in consultation with State heritage Bodies. The setting of standards and administration of the registration scheme is the responsibility of the competency panel, but assessment of applications is the responsibility of an assessment panel, established by Engineers Australia and comprising engineers experienced in heritage and conservation.
For more information or to apply for registration visit the National Engineering Registration Board website.
Engineering Heritage Newsletters
Engineering Heritage Australia is the newsletter of the National Committee on Engineering Heritage.
Practice Note on Engineering and Industrial Heritage
Engineering Heritage Australia has been developing a policy for use by engineers throughout Australia. This policy was approved by Council earlier this year and is now termed a Practice Note. Engineers of all disciplines should be familiar with the content of this document and use it in their practice. A link to the document is below.
