In 1975, Bill Lawson was a young professional Engineer working in the Bridge Construction Section of the Department of Main Roads (DMR). When the Tasman Bridge was knocked down by the Lake Illawarra, Bill found himself centre of the disaster- 'what to do’? No-one knew and chaos reigned. Bill will describe what happened, the challenges, the stress, the rebuilding using technology developed with UTAS and DMR - an amazing story in itself which led to the reconstruction of the bridge minus one pier. But it went much further for Bill. Working not only for the DMR but also the Tasman Bridge Restoration Commission, tasks led to the current traffic management protocols involving pilots and tugs. With all the facts and in the spirit of truth telling, Bill will illuminate the nexus between the Bowen and Tasman Bridges, the disputes between the Tasmanian and Federal Governments, and the significant work since then to convince politicians that all is not well with the bridge and the need to act.
Bill Lawson studied Engineering at UTas between 1967 and 1970 as a Public Works Department cadet. After graduation, he worked with the PWD and DMR until 1985 when he started his own consulting business based in Moonah. By 1996, his business had grown to 74 staff at which time he and his business partner, Tony Hurd, sold it to Sinclair Knight Merz and both became Principals of SKM. Bill retired in November 2013 after 17 years consulting for SKM nationwide in the Local Government and Indigenous sectors. In 2006 Bill was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for services to Engineering and Young Australians and in 2013, he was recognised as the national Professional Engineer of the Year by the Institution of Professional Engineers.