7th Young Geotechnical Professionals Conference

Welcome to the Seventh Australia – New Zealand Young Geotechnical Professionals Conference, Adelaide, Australia, 2006. Following on from previous successful conferences held in Sydney (1994), Auckland (1996), Melbourne (1998), Perth (2000), Rotorua (2002) and Gold Coast (2004), this biannual event is a joint initiative of the Australian Geomechanics Society and the New Zealand Geotechnical Society.

The aim of the conference is to:

  • promote the professional development of delegates through sharing experience and ideas, and by presenting a paper to senior professionals and peers.
  • expand and strengthen the lines of communication between young professionals within the field of geomechanics.
  • promote an enhanced perspective of the varied roles, responsibilities and opportunities encompassed by the geotechnical profession.

The specific goal of the organizing committee has been to prepare an interesting, meaningful, informative, and enjoyable conference from which delegates can gain an enhanced understanding of their profession.

As with all previous YGP conferences, support of the geotechnical community is very important to ensure a successful end result. We would like to thank all companies and individuals that have provided assistance with the preparation of the conference. In particular, committee members: Brendan Scott, Wayne Potter, Jason Goldsworthy, Mark Jaksa and Matthew Duthy, who have contributed considerable time and effort over the past 2 years.

Thanks also to Mark Drechsler, Richard Herraman, Tony Meyers, Peter Mitchell and Don Richardson for their role in reviewing delegate papers. Special thanks also to Peter Robinson of the AGS for managing the finances for this event.

Keynote presenters and Senior Mentors: Mr Garry Mostyn, Dr Peter Mitchell, Mr Alan Moon and Mr Richard Herraman; without your valuable input, the conference would lack much of what makes it such a success.

Delegates should interact with their peers openly and maximise their exposure to the geotechnical community during the conference. A short question time has been allocated to each talk and I encourage delegates to ask questions during this period.

Most of all, have a rewarding time at the conference. The organizing committee members look forward to meeting you all, and joining you in an enjoyable and informative three days.

Brenton Harris
Chair – Organizing Committee