Engineering Geology in Australia: A profession at the fault line of policy, practice, and performance

Australia’s built and natural environment sectors are facing escalating costs, delays, and safety risks due to systemic shortcomings in ground risk management. This paper explores the under-recognition of engineering geology as a profession and its consequences on project performance, immigration policy, and national standards. Through comparative analysis with other high-income English-speaking nations, the study highlights inconsistencies in role definitions, education pathways, and professional accreditation. It proposes a framework for reform, including the establishment of a dedicated registration pathway for engineering geologists, improved integration of geoscience in engineering education, and the adoption of a hazard-first approach to ground risk management. The findings underscore the urgent need for structural change to mitigate socio-economic impacts and enhance national resilience.