Article written by Chris Stoltz FIEAust CPEng NER, Engineers Australia Victorian President.
Dear Members and Friends
From the vantage point of Victoria Division’s Melbourne office, it is easy to see why I love the engineering profession. Engineers make things happen! We are problem solvers. And we impact the community, like no other profession.
So when we dissect the enormity of our influence, there is another reality. That is, our responsibility for creating happy, healthy, prosperous and sustainable communities.
As you know, this year, the Victoria Division Committee will focus on three areas of our economy:
- Infrastructure;
- Energy; and
- the Future Workforce.
Critical to this is our engagement with the State’s political decision-makers.
In February, the Division hosted the Treasurer of Victoria, Tim Pallas. With an air of comfort from being among friend, Mr Pallas addressed our newest Fellows and Engineering Executives, highlighting Engineers Australia’s role in advising this government on the delivery of its infrastructure policies.
While the closure of the Hazelwood Power Plant, at the end of March, was not the outcome the people of the Latrobe Valley nor Engineers Australia had hoped, I did take the opportunity to make public our concerns over the timeline of that process - specifically the need for a well-thought-out transition plan - with journalists and radio presenters across the State.
Of course, we will always remain a-political when advocating for the profession, but we have a greater responsibility to the community we serve. The Victoria Division Manager and I will continue to insist, where we fundamentally disagree with government strategy, on being measured in our public response.
A legion that is 22,000 strong must make its voice heard. Remembering that ours is the trusted voice!
Recently, Victoria Division hosted a meeting of the Advanced Manufacturing Advisory Council. Advanced manufacturing and the potential for job creation and jobs growth is critical to our economy. I met with the Chair, Ross Pilling, to assured him that we stand ready to provide our technical engineering expertise, in support of the Council’s work.
In the spirit of bipartisanship, Victoria Division has initiated discussions with the Leader of the Opposition, to examine in greater detail their policy for decentralising Melbourne’s population, in the face of a government forecast that predicts that we will reach 10 million people by 2051.
This fits perfectly with our strategy for advocating Victoria as a State of Successful Cities. A State where cities such Bendigo, Ballarat, the Latrobe Valley and others are seen to be an attractive, liveable alternative for families or new migrants to settle, rather than congregate predominantly in Melbourne.
This will require infrastructure on a grand scale. More importantly, bold leadership from our politicians who recognise their decisions will impact future generations.
The work before us is great, and that is why I call on all members to take this message to your circle of influence, as part of the critical work you do, creating happy, healthy, prosperous and sustainable communities.
Image: The Hon. Tim Pallas MP, Treasurer of Victoria, speaking at the Fellows and Engineering Executives Recognition Ceremony in February 2017.