IPWEA NSW & ACT

💡 Local Roads Congress 2026 – Communiqué has been finalised.

During the Congress many of the current issues relating to Local Government roads and transport were discussed through technical presentations. These focused on the areas of; Automated Access Assessments, Sustainable Council Procurement, Road Recategorisation, Local Road Liability, Asset AI Benefits and Asset Management Maturity.

The most crucial part of the Local Roads Congress is the Communiqué. This year some of these issues included:
- Reviewing the Fixing Local Roads Program with an annual allocation aligned to the Roads to Recovery distribution formula.
- Ensure natural disaster funding arrangements allow resilience improvements to be included as a part of restoration works.
- Explore funding options to support councils in replacing ageing causeways and concrete, steel and composite bridges.
- Support implementation of integrated local road network plans aligned to federal, state and regional plans.
- Partner with councils to deliver and fund supporting transport infrastructure in areas where the NSW Government has rezoned for higher housing density.

The full Communiqué, which is used to shape the advocacy direction for the Roads and Transport Directorate for the following financial year, can be found here - https://lnkd.in/gphrqRUs

The next RTD Webinar will provide members with insights into current priorities, emerging challenges, and the strategic direction shaping upcoming initiatives for FY26/27. The RTD will discuss their planning approach and how it will help to identify opportunities, support informed decision-making, and strengthen collaboration across the sector.

📣 RTD Webinar - Forward Project Plan and Review - https://lnkd.in/gFjnqyse
📆 Wednesday 17th June 2026
🕛 12.30pm – 1.30pm

Yesterday, our CEO David Elliott visited his alma mater, Western Sydney University, and met with Executive Director of Advancement, Christian Burden, to discuss opportunities to further advance tertiary education outcomes across the region.

The discussions also explored ways to deepen the relationship between IPWEA NSW & ACT and Western Sydney University to better support the next generation of engineering professionals and young engineering students entering the industry.

Strengthening collaboration between industry and education is essential to developing future leaders in public works, infrastructure, and engineering.
Stay tuned for more exciting developments from this partnership.

This week marks National Road Safety Week 2026 “Drive So Others Survive”, a timely reminder that every decision we make on our roads has the potential to save lives.

With more than 1,300 lives lost and over 40,000 serious injuries occurring on Australian roads each year, road safety remains one of the most critical challenges facing our communities.

Local government plays a vital role in delivering safer, more resilient road networks through planning, maintenance, investment, asset management, and community education. Make sure you pledge today - https://lnkd.in/gQENCsg

As we reflect on the importance of safer roads this week, these conversations will continue at the 2026 Local Roads Congress on 1 June 2026 at NSW Parliament House.

Under the theme “Shaping Policies for Stronger Communities”, the Congress provides a forum for NSW council executive staff and elected officials to discuss policy issues with NSW State Ministers in order to optimise road and transport outcomes particular road safety across the state.

Road safety is everyone’s responsibility and collaboration across all levels of government and industry is essential to achieving safer outcomes for our communities.

Find out more about the 2026 Local Roads Congress here - https://lnkd.in/gi3XMkCq

👏 At IPWEA NSW & ACT, our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. As it is National Volunteer Week 2026, we wanted to take a moment to thank those who volunteer as part of the Institute.

We would like to sincerely thank our Board Directors, Technical Panel Members, Regional Chapter Committees, Alumni Chapter Members, Young IPWEA NSW and ACT Committee Members, event speakers and industry contributors for the incredible time, expertise and passion they contribute to the Institute and the broader public works profession.

Throughout the year, our volunteers have organised chapter meetings, technical presentations, networking events and site tours, while also sharing their knowledge, experiences and technical papers to support learning and professional development across the sector.

We also extend our gratitude to the many speakers and presenters who generously contribute their time to educate, inspire and connect professionals working across local government, engineering, infrastructure and public works.

Your commitment strengthens our profession, supports our members and helps build a more connected and collaborative community across NSW and ACT.

Thank you for everything you do for IPWEA NSW & ACT and the industry.

📆 Two weeks until the 2026 Local Roads Congress – Shaping Policies for Stronger Communities

During the Congress Nathan Skelly, Asset AI Project Engineer, will be presenting on Asset AI Benefits Realisation.

Asset AI® has been operating across multiple NSW councils for over two years, capturing over 800,000 road defect records. This session presents the findings of the first IPWEA NSW & ACT quantitative benefits report, examining what the data shows about how councils are managing their networks differently, and what that shift is worth.

Drawing on platform-wide defect data and conservative assumptions, the session covers inspection cost savings, evidence of improved maintenance planning, and a statewide value estimate.

There are only a limited number of seats left for the upcoming congress, make sure you register soon so you don’t miss your chance to contribute to the 2026 Communiqué – which captures the collective voice of our industry and sets the advocacy agenda for the year ahead.

Secure your place - https://lnkd.in/gi3XMkCq

Yesterday CEO, David Elliott and Chief Engineer, Joshua Devitt attended the 2026 National Road Safety Week NSW launch and 2031 Road Safety Action Plan stakeholder forum event held at the Australian National Maritime Museum.

The stakeholder forum marked the next stage of the 2031 Road Safety Action Plan and brought together government, industry, and community representatives to discuss improving road safety outcomes across NSW and reducing road trauma.

Key initiatives from the plan include:
- A record $2.8 billion investment in road safety over four years.
- Nearly $46 million for 16 new projects under the Towards Zero Safer Roads Program to reduce crashes and save lives.
- The biggest motorcycle safety reforms in almost two decades, targeting learner and provisional riders.
- More than 6,800 school zone flashing light signs now operating across NSW to help protect children and families.
- Major road safety campaigns targeting speeding, fatigue, drink driving, seatbelts, and other high-risk behaviour.
- The introduction of AusRAP data mapping to better target investment to higher-risk roads.
- Stronger enforcement measures and camera technology, contributing to a 60 per cent drop in seatbelt non-compliance offences.

The 2031 Road Safety Plan will also be highlighted at the upcoming 2026 Local Roads Congress - https://lnkd.in/gi3XMkCq

🚧 Civil Construction Traineeship with IPWEA NSW & ACT 🚧

Are you looking to build a stronger, more capable workforce within your council? Investing in a traineeship isn’t just about training—it’s about securing the future of your organisation.

Partner with IPWEA NSW & ACT to support your new and existing staff through our Civil Construction Traineeship program - [email protected]

Why invest in a traineeship?
✔ Stronger staff retention – Employees who complete traineeships are 67% more likely to stay long-term
✔ Lower turnover costs – Save an average of $25,000–$40,000 per employee in recruitment and onboarding
✔ Clear career pathways – Show your people you’re invested in their future
✔ Industry-ready skills – Training aligned to your projects and standards
✔ Enhanced productivity – Better-trained supervisors deliver stronger outcomes
✔ Improved safety culture – Qualified leaders support WHS compliance and reduce incidents
✔ Competitive advantage – Demonstrate professional development when tendering
✔ Succession planning – Build future leaders from within your organisation

Now is the time to invest in your workforce and strengthen your council’s capability for the future. Contact the Professional Development Team on - [email protected]

IPWEA NSW and ACT would like to thank all our members, stakeholders and associates who attended the 2026 State Conference, special thanks goes to our Platinum sponsor COMPLETE URBAN, Gold sponsor LB Australia and Silver sponsor Fulton Hogan.

The Conference was a huge success, and we hope everyone who attended learned a lot of new ideas to take back to their workplace and colleagues to assist with future planning. As always, the Engineering Excellence Awards Gala Dinner was a very special evening celebrating the incredible projects and people around our state. A special congratulations to Dirk Jol for winning the Public Leader of the Year Award and also Alex Dahlenburg for being awarded the David Abbott Award. All Conference photos can be found here - https://lnkd.in/gXS-ErjD

We also want to again thank StreetSTRONG + Cato for sponsoring the first ever Municipal Engineering Foundation 4 Ball Ambrose Tournament ⛳
The rain held off and the morning was wrapped up with a BBQ in Lovedale Brew Bar. Plenty of good conversations, great company, and the perfect Hunter Valley setting. Congratulations to all the winners, Ryan Findlayson, Brien Kwong, Hamish Scroope and Andrew Forbes.