What is the future of Engineering Geology as a discipline in Western Australia, and Australia?

Engineering geology plays a key role in infrastructure development, risk mitigation, and engineering solutions. However, the discipline faces significant challenges in Western Australia (WA) and across Australia, particularly in workforce sustainability and academic pathways. Unlike New Zealand, where engineering geologists make up a substantial portion of the geotechnical workforce, Australia lacks dedicated tertiary education programs for engineering geology.

This paper examines the current state of engineering geology in WA and Australia and explores factors influencing its future, including the limited availability of specialised university programs, market forces favouring the mining sector, and the declining interest in and teaching of geosciences at secondary and tertiary education levels. Data from LinkedIn and Ground Recruitment Pty Ltd highlights the disparity in proportions of engineering geologists and geotechnical engineers in Australian practice compared to New Zealand. Further, a LinkedIn poll of Australian geotechnical professionals confirms that while geology is widely recognised as fundamental to geotechnical engineering, the number of dedicated engineering geologists remains low in Australia.

We discuss the implications of this workforce gap, questioning whether geotechnical engineers can adequately fulfill engineering geology roles and whether industry trends undervalue the contribution of engineering geologists. Additionally, we assess ongoing initiatives, including university-led field courses and industry collaborations aimed at fostering interest in engineering geology among students.

The paper highlights the apparent benefits of increased industry engagement, education reform, and professional development opportunities to secure the future of engineering geology in Australia. Without targeted efforts, the discipline risks further decline, potentially impacting the quality and safety of geotechnical engineering practices in the region.