AGY-5733 | Civil Engineering (1969-1986) / Engineering Division (1987-1991) [Department of Public Works]

Full description

The Department of Public Works' Civil Engineering Division from 1969 included the Construction and Operations Division and the Investigation and Development Division.

The structure of the Department's Civil Engineering Division was reorganized effective from 1 November 1976 thus abolishing the Investigation and Development Division and Construction and Operations Division. The engineering work of the Department, under the control of the Chief Engineer, was then undertaken mainly by four product branches: the Water Supply Branch, the Sewerage Branch, the Coastal Engineering Branch and the General Projects Branch. Each of these branches were product-oriented and, for each project it undertook, was responsible for the diverse phases of feasibility, conceptual and detailed design, construction, commissioning and an inspection and advisory service. In addition to the product branches there were the Design Control and the Construction Administration Branches. (1)

In 1984 the Civil Engineering Division comprised four product branches and four specialist branches. The product branches were: Water Supply Branch, Sewerage Branch, Rivers and Ports Branch and Coastal Branch. The four specialist branches were: Construction Adminstration Branch, Design and Services Branch, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Branch and Survey and Property Branch. (2)

From 1987 it was known as the Engineering Division. The Division was responsible for engineering design and advice, client matters and oversight of engineering programs. In 1987 the Division included Mechanical and Electrical, Water, Consulting Services, Coast and Rivers, Technical Services and Administration. (3)

In 1990 the Division was responsible for engineering design and advice, client matters, management of engineering programs and building engineering. Following a program of organisation development the Mechanical and Electrical Branch reorganised and was retitled 'Building Engineering Services and Technology Branch'. The Division thus included Business and Administration, Coast and Rivers, Water and Sewerage, Building Engineering Services and Technology and Engineering and Survey Services. (4)

From 1 January 1992 the traditional discipline-based divisional structure was abolished following a total restructure of the Department. Hence the Engineering Dvision ceased to exist on 31 December 1991. (4)

Reference
Department of Public Works, Annual Report, 1969+

Endnotes
(1) Parliamentary Papers 1978-79, Vol. 4, p.1341; Report of the Department of Public Works for the year ended 30 June, 1977, p.5.
(2) Public Works Department New South Wales, Annual Report 1983-84, p.27-28.
(3) Public Works Department New South Wales, Annual Report, 1986-87, pp.8-9.
(4) Public Works Department New South Wales, 1989-1990 Annual Report, pp.11-13.
(5) Public Works Department News South Wales, 1991-92 Annual Report, pp.5, 11.