Theme: Rebuilding Australia From Beneath the Surface
Resilience Pays – How smarter ground, materials and stabilisation practices deliver performance, value and risk reduction across infrastructure.
15 -16 September 2026 | Novotel – Parramatta, New South Wales
Abstract submissions are now open.
This two-day program brings together asset owners, practitioners, researchers, industry leaders and policy influencers to explore how what happens beneath the surface shapes the long-term performance and resilience of infrastructure assets.
While road pavements remain central to AustStab’s mission, contributions are welcomed from across rail, ports, airports, mining, renewable energy, freight, major earthworks and other ground-dependent infrastructure, where stabilisation, recycling and material optimisation play a critical role.
Abstracts may also draw on international experience, global best practice and emerging innovations, particularly where lessons can be considered across industries and jurisdictions.
Conference Structure
The 2026 program comprises two complementary components:
- Day 1: Technical Stream (Half Day) – Applied Practice & Performance Forum
- Day 2: Main Conference (Full Day) – Rebuilding Australia From Beneath the Surface
This structure enables applied technical depth while preserving the main conference for strategic, cross-sector and international discussion.
Day 1 – Technical Stream
Applied Practice & Performance Forum: Ground, Materials and Stabilisation Outcomes Beneath the Surface
The Technical Stream is an evidence-led forum focused on applied practice and measurable performance outcomes.
This half-day session brings together asset owners, designers, constructors and researchers to examine technical delivery, performance data and lessons learned from stabilisation, recycling and ground improvement projects.
It is not a training session or policy workshop. Rather, it provides a technically rigorous environment for sharing evidence, observations and delivery insights that inform future practice.
Abstracts suited to Day 1 include but not limited to:
- Ground, Materials & Stabilisation Performance
- Subgrade characterisation and variability
- Binder selection, durability and moisture management
- Performance monitoring and validation
- Field versus laboratory outcomes
- Testing, Investigation & Design Methods
- In-situ and laboratory testing approaches
- Design assumptions and modelling
- Validation of performance data
- Recycling, Reuse & Applied Innovation (Technical)
- In-situ recycling processes
- Material reuse performance
- Construction methodologies and outcomes
- Construction-Led Technical Case Studies
- Evidence-based project experiences
- Adaptations during delivery
- Measured results and technical learnings
Abstracts for this stream should be supported by data, field evidence or measurable outcomes.
Day 2 – Main Conference
Rebuilding Australia From Beneath the Surface
The main conference day is discussion-led and focused on insight, leadership and system-level learning.
The program will include:
- National research and program updates, including stabilisation-focused activity
- International perspectives and innovation
- Facilitated panels and moderated discussion
- Cross-sector learning across roads, rail, ports, mining, renewables and earthworks
Day 2 prioritises dialogue, comparison and forward-looking thinking rather than dense technical presentation.
Abstracts suited to Day 2 include but not limited to:
- International Practice & Global Perspectives
- Case studies from overseas jurisdictions
- Emerging techniques and innovations
- Lessons transferable to Australian conditions
- Designing for Resilience & Whole-of-Life Value
- Climate resilience and risk
- Lifecycle performance and value
- Cross-sector comparisons
- Construction Reality & Decision-Making
- Design intent versus delivery reality
- Decisions that influenced outcomes
- Transferable lessons across sectors
- Recycling, Reuse & Circular Ground Solutions (Strategic)
- System-level enablers and barriers
- Specification and procurement considerations
- Sector-wide insights
- Policy, Procurement & System Change
- Frameworks and approvals
- Capability and confidence
- Conditions required to enable better outcomes
Presentations on Day 1 may be delivered through extended presentations, curated contributions within plenary sessions, panels or facilitated discussion formats.
Program Flexibility
The program will retain flexibility to accommodate high-quality submissions, thought leadership contributions and national research and program updates where they add value to sector learning. Curated abstract contributions may be integrated into plenary or facilitated sessions rather than limited to standalone presentations.
The Program Committee will allocate accepted abstracts to either the Technical Stream (Day 1) or the Main Conference (Day 1) based on content focus, format and audience relevance.
Why Submit an Abstract?
- Share applied experience and evidence
- Contribute to national and international conversations on resilience and performance
- Engage with asset owners, industry and researchers across sectors
- Influence future practice and system-level thinking
Submission Guidelines
- Abstract Length: 300-500 words
- Format: Abstracts must clearly outline the objectives, methodology, key findings and relevance to the conference theme.
- Abstract Submissions: Now open
- Submission Deadline: 01 May 2026
- Notification of Acceptance: 01 June 2026
- Final Presentation or Paper Deadline: 14 August 2026
How to Submit
Abstracts should be submitted via email to enquiry@auststab.com.au with the subject line: 2026 AustStab Conference Abstract Submission – [Your Name / Organisation].
For any questions or further information, please contact: enquiry@auststab.com.au
Join us in Sydney and be part of the conversation shaping Australia’s infrastructure — from beneath the surface.
We look forward to receiving your contributions!