Engineers Australia warns Australia needs more engineers as hotter temperatures, bushfire danger and growing pressure on infrastructure threaten communities this summer.
Decades of warming, dry conditions and expanding urban density are heightening risks to buildings, transport networks and communities near bushfire-prone areas. In response, Engineers Australia urges governments to prioritise engineering-led planning and design, warning that effective prevention relies on having the right skills and multidisciplinary engineering expertise in place before emergencies occur.
Chief Engineer Katherine Richards AM CSC said, “Each summer we’re reminded that we live in one of the most climate-exposed nations in the world, and engineering is our first line of defence.”
Mrs Richards highlighted that engineers play a crucial role long before disasters strike, reducing risks through planning, design and resilience measures, while emergency services respond when conditions turn extreme. She said that fire safety engineers help design buildings and precincts that prevent ignition and enable safe evacuation. Civil and structural engineers strengthen transport and community infrastructure to withstand heat stress, embers and severe weather. Electrical and telecommunications engineers ensure power and communications remain stable during periods of peak demand, while water engineers plan for drought, storage and firefighting supply.
She added that Australia already has the engineering capability to address these challenges, but the season ahead underscores the need for a sustained pipeline of emerging engineers to support disaster preparedness.
“With the right policy settings, planning frameworks and workforce support, Australia can reduce disaster impacts, strengthen community resilience and ensure we’re better prepared for the summers ahead,” she said.
The warning comes as the Bureau of Meteorology forecasts hotter-than-average temperatures between December and February, reduced rainfall across inland Queensland and New South Wales, and increased fire danger in parts of Victoria, Western Australia and central northern New South Wales.
Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided is intended as a general guide and should not be relied upon as legal or migration advice. As migration laws and regulations can change, we recommend consulting an Australian Lawyer or Registered Migration Agent for advice tailored to your circumstances.
