Insights from the IPWEA NSW and ACT State Conference 2025

Last week, JOCES Director attended the IPWEA NSW & ACT Annual State Conference. The event brought together hundreds of public works professionals, council engineers, and industry leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue around this year’s timely theme:

“Developing Resilience through Innovation.”

With a growing focus on climate adaptation, smarter infrastructure, and community-centred outcomes, the conference explored how local government and consulting engineers can prepare for, respond to, and recover from environmental and operational pressures.

Key Learnings and Conference Themes

1. Preventative Planning Over Reactive Fixes

As natural disasters become more frequent and severe, there’s a clear shift from reactive repair works to proactive resilience planning. Stress-testing infrastructure, identifying vulnerable assets, and scenario planning are becoming essential parts of future-focused civil design.

2. Smart Technology is Shaping Emergency Response

Artificial Intelligence and digital tools are increasingly being adopted by councils to streamline post-disaster workflows. For example, AI-based damage assessments and streamlined insurance claim applications are helping local governments make faster, more accurate decisions after an event.

We were also in awe of Port Stephens Council’s smart parking solution, which uses real-time data to reduce congestion, improve circulation times, and support infrastructure planning.

3. Stormwater Design Needs a Climate-Ready Upgrade

Shifting rainfall patterns and more frequent storm events are challenging existing stormwater infrastructure across NSW and ACT.

There’s an urgent need for:

1. Updated stormwater design guidelines with current climate data

2. Future-proofing stormwater systems with increased capacity and improved overland flow design

3. Stronger collaboration between consultants, Councils and State Government to align on design standards and long-term outcomes

4. Design for Maintenance, Not Just Delivery

Another key point raised throughout the conference was the importance of designing with ongoing maintenance in mind. Considering life-cycle costs and practical asset upkeep from the outset leads to more robust infrastructure and reduces performance failures when it matters most.

5. Celebrating Local Innovation

It was also a highlight to see local projects like PHIVE and the Pedestrian Cyclist Walkway Bridge by Paramatta Council being recognised on the state stage. These projects are a testament to the power of well-designed, community-led infrastructure that is both technically sound and future-ready.

From Conference Insights to Real-World Solutions

As a civil engineering consultancy firm, we were proud to be part of this year’s discussions and to engage with peers, clients, and public works professionals.

At JOCES, we’re committed to:

1. Embedding resilience into every flood model and engineering design

2. Supporting councils with technical insights grounded in lived experience

3. Creating smart, sustainable infrastructure solutions for growing communities

We look forward to continuing the conversation and translating these insights into practical outcomes on the ground.