Ken Gillard
Engineers Australia - Queensland Division Past President 2018
GILLARD, Ken
FIEAust
EDUCATION and Awards
Certificate Engineering Construction
Grad Dip Municipal and Environmental Engineering)
CAREER
1966 commenced in the Highways Department Sth Aus and worked in the Freeway section developing the Hills Freeway.
In 1969 commenced National Service with the Australian Army and was infantry soldier in Vietnam during 1970.
Returned to Highways Department in 1971 and 1974 – 78 worked in Far North District office (Port Augusta) designing and building outback roads including Strezlecki Track.
1979 joined John Connell and Associates as road designer involved in development of 4 laning Old Cleveland Road, sections of the initial Gateway Arterial, Sth East Freeway and local subdivions.
Involved over 3 years with development of new Brisbane Airport including sand surcharging, road developments and aircraft facilities. JCA became Connell Wagner with mergers and I was appointed Associate leading roads team.
In 2004 I was chairman of Consult Australia and had involvement of several matters including development of consultant guideline for Main Roads Department and working with QUT on Engineering syllabus, Made life member in 2015.
In 2007 commenced work with CW as civil engineering leader in Abu Dhabi office being leader of several major road planning projects and island developments in Dubai .
Returned to CW (now Aurecon) to lead the infrastructure group in Brisbane office in 2010.
From this time , I was Project Director for section B of Bruce Hwy 4 laning, sections of Gateway upgrade and Pacific Motorway. Worked with QR as Project Director on designing and construction of Blackwater – Rolleston rail line (110 km ) and Trackstar Alliance for 4 significant urban rail projects.
Retired from fulltime workforce in 2019
Presidents Highlights 2018
I was very surprised and honored to be elected President of the Queensland division committee in 2017 for the 2018 year.
During my tenure, I focused on bringing the regions closer to the Division Committee, having a representative from a region join our meetings, in person or by phone and being present more often in the regions.
One specific event, of which I was proud, was being able to present an historical site plaque for steam driven water pumping system on the Burdekin River at Charters Towers – the mayor and council members were very excited about the presentation.
Sources:
Biography supplied by Ken Gillard 2025
