As those of you based in the ACT will probably be aware, there is mounting confusion in the industry around whether ACT Hydraulic Consultants should be registered.

We wanted to shine a spotlight on the issue and keep you informed on the HCAA's response.

What's the issue?

The Professional Engineers Guideline refers to Section 9 of the Professional Engineers Act 2023 on the Meaning of “Area of Engineering", with no reference to Hydraulic Services.

Section 8 of the Act states that the:

(a) meaning of Professional Engineering service is in an area of engineering that requires, or is based on, the application of engineering principles, and

(b) does not include engineering service that is provided only in accordance with a prescriptive standard.

Subsection 8(2) of the Act clearly states what the meaning of a prescribed standard is, and that it does not relate to advance scientifically based calculations.

As Hydraulic Consultants we design to “prescribed standards” (eg. AS/NZS 3500) for the purpose of carrying out the design and documentation of Building Hydraulic Services.

It has not gone unnoticed that the above is causing widespread confusion and when sections of the guidelines are being read in isolation, is it becomes more and more problematic. A perfect example is looking at the below table where hydraulic activity is listed under Civil Engineering, which is misleading to Building Certifiers, some other industry professionals and, from what the HCAA now understand from recent conversations, is causing confusion within the ACT Government (EPSDD) on who needs and should be registered.

HCAA action

Our HCAA ACT Manager, Carl Sommerville, is in the process of seeking a meeting with the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate (EPSDD) in the coming months to address these issues and to advocate for Hydraulic Consultant recognition based on qualifications and experience within the industry.

We will keep you posted on our progress and we appreciate your support. If you have any questions or input, please send us an email.