Council wins coveted public sector employer of the year award
Published on 30 October 2025
Western Downs Regional Council has set the gold standard as a prestige employer in the public sector, taking home the Employer of the Year at the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia, Queensland/Northern Territory (IPWEA-QNT) in Brisbane earlier this month.
The IPWEA-QNT Employer of the Year (Public Sector) award acknowledges Council's leadership in employment best practice to deliver high quality essential civil infrastructure across Queensland's largest road network, including over 10,000 kilometres of roads and extensive water, sewerage, and gas networks.
Council was also recognised with nominations for its 2021/22 Flood Damage Restoration Program in the 'Projects above $10 million' and 'Project Innovation' categories, as well as in the 'Projects under $2 million' category for its Commodity Court Pavement and Drainage Upgrade Project.
Council Spokesperson for Works and Technical Services Councillor Greg Olm said these projects exemplified the vision and dedication of Council's Infrastructure Services team in delivering smart, sustainable, and impactful infrastructure that strengthen community connections within the region.
"Council has built a reputation for innovation, safety, diversity, and collaboration, and this recognition highlights the commitment to excellence in public works engineering," Cr Olm said.
"The success of Council's infrastructure projects is built on a foundation of strong cross-discipline collaboration and the exceptionally high calibre of its people."
Western Downs Regional Council Chief Executive Officer Jodie Taylor said the award was a testament to the culture of the team and the commitment to delivering quality essential infrastructure.
"This award reflects our investment in our people, our culture and our commitment to providing the best service for the Western Downs region," Mrs Taylor said.
"As part of Western Downs Regional Council's Recruitment and Retention Strategy, and our succession planning initiatives, we have prioritised building a skilled pipeline of public works professionals.
"Council currently has 38 apprentices and trainees contributing to our organisation's success and output.
"Our approach to professional development includes tailored training, mentoring, and study assistance programs for Council employees.
"In 2024, there were 21 staff who started study assistance programs, cultivating a workforce culture defined by professional growth, innovation, and continuous improvement."
Mrs Taylor said being named Employer of the Year reflected the culture Council has built and the diversity of the incredible people delivering projects across the region.
"We're also incredibly proud that that women make up almost half of our senior and executive leadership teams," she said.
"In traditionally male-dominated areas like engineering and construction, it's inspiring to see women leading the way.
"Women make up 67 per cent of managers and coordinators in our works department, alongside 33 per cent of managers in infrastructure services.
"This far exceeds the national average of 9.9 per cent of women in engineering roles, which is a clear reflection of our commitment to equality, inclusion, and empowering great people to lead.
"The Western Downs Regional Council would like to thank IPWEA-QNT for the vital role they play in celebrating diversity and excellence in engineering and acknowledging the importance of public works in building stronger, more resilient communities."
For more information on the IPWEA-QNT awards please visit https://www.wdrc.qld.gov.au.