MY ACCOUNT
10 Jun Suzanne Burow Appointed Chair of Board of Professional Engineers of Queensland
The Board of Professional Engineers of Queensland (Board) is pleased to announce the appointment of Suzanne Burow as Chairperson.
Suzanne is a Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ), practicing in civil engineering.
The Government confirmed Ms Burow’s appointment as Board Chairperson, effective 30 May 2024.
Previously, Ms Burow served as Deputy chairperson and Engineers Australia representative on the Board. In addition to her role as Board Chairperson, Ms Burow will continue to serve as the Engineers Australia representative.
Prof Maureen Hassall was appointed the Deputy chairperson. Prof Hassall serves as the Academic representative on the Board.
Additionally, the following appointments were also confirmed:
- John Anderson, Community representative
- Suzanne Brown, Regional representative
- Kirsty Smith, Legal representative
Ms Burow stated, “As a RPEQ specialising in civil engineering, I am honoured to be appointed as Chairperson. Leading Australia’s oldest engineering regulator, I will continue to deliver on our purpose to protect the public, maintain confidence in the engineering profession and uphold high standards in the profession.
“I would like to acknowledge the leadership of outgoing Board Chairperson Andrew Seccombe who, over the last three years, has made a significant contribution to progressing the Board’s objectives and advancing strategies to drive a high standard of professionalism in the engineering profession, in particular, his efforts in improving engagement with the mining sector. Andrew’s commitment and dedication to the Board, the team and the engineering community is much appreciated.
“Thanks to our other outgoing Board members, Christopher Edwards and Suzy Cairney for their excellent contributions and support during their appointments to the Board.
“Congratulations to my colleague Prof Maureen Hassall on her appointment as Deputy chairperson. Her contributions on the Board are greatly appreciated and I look forward to working with her, Elected RPEQ representative Emma Eriksson, Building and construction industry representative Loren Hickey and our newly appointed Board members.
“As Queensland’s vibrant economy continues to grow and Queensland’s Big Build gains momentum, more than 21,000 registered professional engineers (RPEQs) are making their mark on projects throughout the state and across the globe.
“A key focus area will continue to be engagement with our stakeholders to further increase awareness of the important role the Board plays in the industry. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank every RPEQ for their commitment to the highest standards of professionalism and keeping Queenslanders safe.”
About Suzanne Burow
FIEAust, CPEng, NER, APEC Engineer, IntPE (Aus), RPEQ #19952
Suzanne Burow joined the Board in 2019 as the Elected representative. In August 2022, she became Deputy chairperson and Engineers Australia representative. Ms Burow is a chartered and registered civil engineer with considerable experience as a practitioner in water resources engineering in various sectors across the industry. Ms Burow is currently a consulting engineer in the private sector and has served as President of the Queensland Division of Engineers Australia. Ms Burow also serves as a Director on the Gladstone Area Water Board, a Queensland Bulk Water Supply Authority located in Central Queensland.
About Maureen Hassall
Professor Hassall joined the Board in 2019 as the Academic representative. She is a chartered and registered chemical engineer and has a PhD in cognitive systems engineering. Prof Hassall is an associate professor of chemical engineering and the director of UQR!SK at The University of Queensland. Her research, teaching and consulting work focuses on using leading-edge systems thinking, technology, engineering and human factors approaches to deliver evidence-based innovations in risk management and process and systems safety. Prof Hassall’s academic endeavours are informed by 30 years of working for and with resources, chemical, energy, manufacturing and major contracting companies in Australia, New Zealand and North America.
About John Anderson
Mr John Anderson is a respected and tertiary-qualified First Nations elder with extensive board and leadership experience. He is the Deputy Chair of the Queensland Building and Construction Board at the Queensland Building and Construction Commission. Additionally, John is the Executive Director of Pi-CaTS Pty Ltd and a board member of Health Consumers Queensland.
About Suzanne Brown
Ms Suzanne Brown is a registered civil engineer (RPEQ) who grew up and went to university in Rockhampton. She is now working for Bundaberg Regional Council. Prior to working for council, Suzanne worked for the state government in the Department of Transport and Main Roads. Suzanne has a particular interest in asset management, focusing on the rehabilitation of road and drainage infrastructure. Additionally, Suzanne has an interest in rehabilitating heritage-listed bridges and is committed to providing sustainable solutions for public infrastructure.
About Kirsty Smith
Ms Kirsty Smith is a partner in Holding Redlich in the Construction, Infrastructure and Projects team, specialising in the resolution of disputes. She has more than 16 years of experience in litigation, expert determination, mediation and arbitration concerning a wide range of issues on construction projects that often lead to complex negotiations, disputes and settlements. Kirsty works as part of a specialised team to successfully achieve objectives set by clients, including coordinating high-pressure adjudication proceedings and advising clients throughout the delivery of their projects. The successful outcomes she achieves for her clients are founded on her understanding and interest in the business strategies and goals of her clients and the projects they are undertaking, as well as her pragmatic approach to overcoming obstacles. She operates across all jurisdictions in Australia for contractors, consultants and principals, including government.