I have an affinity for projects that address genuine problems in the world. At the 2024 Engineers Australia Excellence Awards, I saw showcases of sorts for the real ingenuity of my profession. They reminded me why I chose this line of work in the first place. The finalist projects at the awards do not simply "use a lot of math," as one person I know somewhat dismissively put it. They embody the sort of innovation that you can't realize without real talent and textbook engineering skills—and, of course, without engineers willing to work in service of something other than the almighty bottom line.
Consider the Regional Desalination Plants Project, for example. This project delivers clean, drinkable water to some of the most remote parts of Australia – Oodnadatta, Marla, Maree – where you would think infrastructure projects of this nature were impossible, given the geography and logistics involved. But the way that this project unfurled was so captivating and engaging. For one, it honored local communities fully. That should be basic and should happen everywhere, but too often it does not. The locals were involved in every step of the way in not just a token way but in a substantial and real way, and the kinds of instructions and value that were imparted through that process make for a good story. It is a story of whys and hows, of embracing the local culture; it is truly community-centric.
The next finalist caught my eye: it was the Hybrid Power and Propulsion System for Maritime Vessels. This project addressed a problem I cared about—reducing emissions in the maritime sector—and it did so in a way that I thought illustrated a key quality of engineering: it provided a solution that was both functional and efficient. It was a testament to the idea that we don’t have to sacrifice power or ability when we’re trying to meet environmentally-friendly standards. And if a 600 kW hybrid power system can propel a boat through the ocean in a way that doesn’t pollute—I was thinking—what else can it do?
Looking Ahead: The Influence of Technology and Youth Expectations
Thinking ahead, I believe geofencing will become increasingly prominent in engineering projects, especially as we see a surge in younger, tech-savvy professionals entering the field. Geofencing, which uses GPS or RFID technology to create virtual boundaries, has applications beyond marketing and logistics. I could see it being used more frequently in construction and public works, such as monitoring heavy equipment for safety or tracking real-time project progress on large sites. This would appeal to the younger demographic, who often expect technology integration in every aspect of project management and execution.
Take, for example, the Sydney AutoStrad Botany Rail Expansion Project and how it capitalized on automation. The project accomplished a completely automated rail-container interchange, producing a 33% reduction in train turnaround times and 900 fewer trucks a day spewing exhaust on Sydney’s roads. Implementing digital twin systems and other forms of automation not only improves efficiency but also resonates with the people who might someday be our clients and partners—those younger than us who prize the kind of innovative, tech-driven solutions that might actually help solve our problems. This type of forward-thinking engineering, with an emphasis on reducing carbon emissions and road congestion, could serve as a model for future projects that utilize geofencing to create “smart” sites with real-time data tracking and enhanced project transparency.
Building Toward a Sustainable Future
Reflecting on these projects, it’s clear that engineering isn’t just about the structures we build or the systems we design. It’s about creating resilient, sustainable communities and making life better for people. I’m optimistic that we’ll continue to see projects that aren’t just about solving problems but about addressing them in ways that bring people and technology together. And with the rise of a younger demographic in engineering, I expect future projects to embrace even more advanced tech solutions like geofencing, automation, and sustainability-focused innovations.
The 2024 Engineers Australia Excellence Awards finalists are already setting the bar high. These projects serve as reminders that engineering, at its best, is an ever-evolving discipline with the power to shape a brighter, more sustainable future.
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