Regional Road Forum 2026

 

 

REGIONAL ROADS ARE UNDER PRESSURE. ARE YOUR MAINTENANCE STRATEGIES READY? STOP PATCHING. START FIXING.

A practical forum for councils responsible for large regional road networks. If you manage regional roads, this forum is designed for you.

Regional road networks across Queensland are under increasing pressure from extreme weather events, ageing pavements, freight growth and constrained maintenance budgets. The Regional Road Maintenance & Rehabilitation Forum, hosted by AustStab and AfPA, brings together Local Government, Transport & Main Roads and industry experts to explore practical, proven solutions for maintaining and rehabilitating regional road networks.

This is not a theoretical conference. It is a practical, solutions-focused forum built around real challenges and real project outcomes from regional road networks.

Forum Details:

Earn CPD Hours

Participants can claim up to 9 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours by attending this forum. The program supports the professional development of engineers, infrastructure managers, asset managers and road delivery professionals working across regional road networks.

Why This Forum Matters

Regional road networks are essential to connecting communities, supporting freight and enabling economic development. However, many regional road managers are facing increasing challenges including:

  • Extreme weather events including floods, cyclones and prolonged wet seasons
  • Ageing pavement structures and deteriorating road foundations
  • Increasing freight volumes and heavy vehicle traffic
  • Large networks with limited maintenance budgets
  • Growing expectations for sustainability and improved resilience

This forum explores practical strategies and technologies that can improve road performance while optimising maintenance investment.

Developed for Regional Councils & TMR Delivery Teams

This forum has been specifically designed for professionals responsible for planning, maintaining and delivering regional road networks, including:

  • Local Government Engineers
  • Infrastructure and Asset Managers
  • Works Supervisors and Technical Officers
  • Transport & Main Roads regional teams
  • Consultants and contractors working on regional road networks

What You Will Learn

  • How to prioritise maintenance and rehabilitation across large regional road networks
  • Why pavements fail in wet–dry and tropical environments
  • Practical ways to build more resilient pavements following flooding and extreme weather
  • When to maintain, rehabilitate or rebuild pavement structures
  • How recycling and in-situ pavement treatments can reduce cost, waste and construction time
  • Where surface treatments and preservation strategies extend pavement life
  • How condition data and digital tools support smarter asset management decisions

What You Will Take Away

By attending the Regional Road Maintenance & Rehabilitation Forum you will gain:

  • Practical insights into improving pavement performance in regional environments
  • A clearer understanding of when to maintain, rehabilitate or reconstruct road assets
  • Knowledge of recycling and stabilisation techniques that reduce costs and waste
  • Strategies for managing unsealed roads and low-volume networks more effectively
  • Exposure to new technologies and materials improving road performance
  • Valuable connections with regional councils, TMR teams and industry specialists

Key Program Themes

  • Understanding Your Network – Using condition data and asset management tools to make better decisions.
  • Rehabilitation & Recycling – Stabilisation and recycling techniques that improve structural performance.
  • Designing for Resilience – Strategies to withstand flooding, moisture variability and freight loads.
  • Surface Treatments & Preservation – Treatments that extend pavement life when applied at the right time.
  • Innovation & Sustainability – New materials and technologies supporting more sustainable road maintenance.

Why This Forum Is Different

The Regional Road Maintenance & Rehabilitation Forum focuses on practical solutions rather than theory. Sessions are built around real regional road challenges including flood and cyclone impacts, pavement failures in wet–dry environments, managing large road networks with limited budgets and extending pavement life through rehabilitation and preservation. The program draws on lessons from real projects across Queensland and provides insights that can be applied immediately.

Networking Event

Each forum includes a dedicated networking event providing a relaxed environment to connect with colleagues from across government and industry.

Forum Highlights

  • Two-day technical forum focused on regional road networks
  • Practical case studies from Queensland projects
  • Collaboration between Local Government, TMR and industry experts
  • Dedicated networking event
  • Earn up to 9 CPD hours

Register Now

Places are limited to maintain interactive discussions and networking opportunities. Early registration is recommended.

Join colleagues from regional councils, Transport & Main Roads and industry to explore practical solutions for improving regional road networks.

Interested in Sponsorship?

Sponsorship opportunities for the RRF 2026 are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. View available sponsorship packages  to find out how your organisation can gain visibility with councils, road authorities and industry professionals.

For further information, contact the event organisers: