Across the region, public works practitioners, civil engineers, and asset managers are facing unprecedented challenges – and unprecedented opportunities. Ageing infrastructure, constrained budgets, climate pressures, and evolving community expectations have transformed the way the sector designs, builds, and manages public assets.
At the same time, new technologies, the AI revolution, data-driven decision-making, and cross-sector collaboration are opening doors to smarter, more resilient infrastructure systems.
That’s why the 2025 International Public Works Conference (IPWC) is more important than ever.
Held every two years, IPWC will take place in Sydney from August 25-28, at the International Convention Centre. The conference will continue its tradition of being the largest public works and infrastructure asset management event held in Australasia and will cover current best practices, local case studies, and the latest technological innovations.
Shape the future of your local community
According to IPWEA CEO David Jenkins, IPWC is designed to support the public works community and address the challenges local governments face – namely the need to deliver long-term, sustainable infrastructure and service delivery, while balancing cost-effective solutions and regulatory compliance.
“Public works are no longer just about building new infrastructure – it’s important to look after the assets you have and implement long-term, strategic and sustainable asset management,” Jenkins said.
“As new technologies continue to evolve, there is a growing awareness of green infrastructure as an alternative to creating resilient, future-ready communities, but what does that mean for our members and practitioners?”
“We’ll be creating this year’s IPWC agenda to try to help our audience address their challenges, better understand the latest technologies, have the space to speak with the peers, get solutions to shared challenges, and collectively we can work towards a better future for our local communities.”
A program tailored for strategic thinkers
The 2025 IPWC program will be centred around the theme “Shaping Tomorrow’s World” which highlights the urgency and need to create a resilient, forward-thinking foundation for public works and engineering.
The agenda will be designed with sessions across four streams to ensure practical, relevant takeaways for all attendees, including: Public Works in Action, Technology, Asset Management, and Sustainability.
Key sessions include:
Professor Arnold Dix: Scientist, Professor of Engineering, and international tunnelling expert, Professor Dix will draw on his engineering expertise and share insights on teamwork, collaboration and leadership in challenging times.
Kate Munari: Australia’s only female Navy helicopter pilot to fly in Afghanistan will be presenting on effective leadership and tips to keep your team operating well in all situations.
Local and International thought leaders including: Geoff Cooper, CEO from NZ Infrastructure Commission – Te Waihanga; Ursula Bryan, CEO at the Institute of Asset Management UK; and Adam Copp, CEO of Infrastructure Australia.
Over 100 papers providing case studies from local government engineers, managers, and government consultants.
With sessions designed to provide practical takeaways and equip public works practitioners with the knowledge and tools to drive change in their organisation, IPWC is not to be missed!
Register now to secure early bird rates
Attend the 2025 International Public Works Conference and be part of the conversation that helps shape the future of public works.
Visit the website for more information and register before June 29 to take advantage of early bird pricing at ipwc.com.au
