A little less conversation, a little more action

The Australian Flexible Pavement Association (AfPA) writes on the importance of tackling road maintenance challenges throughout regional Australia.

At the recent Regional Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Forums hosted across Bendigo, Port Augusta, Murray Bridge, Lismore, and Dubbo, a clear and urgent message echoed across every workshop, panel, and coffee break: “We need a little less conversation, a little more action, please.” The iconic Elvis lyric couldn’t be more appropriate in summarising the collective frustration of road maintenance professionals grappling with the widening chasm between community needs and funding realities.

These pivotal two-day events, co-hosted by the Australian Flexible Pavement Association (AfPA) and the Pavement Recycling and Stabilisation Association (AustStab), provided a crucial platform for state and local government professionals, contractors, and consultants to address the compounding challenges facing Australia’s rural and regional road networks. Despite the wealth of knowledge shared at these events, one concern dominated the agenda: insufficient and inconsistent funding availability to achieve the required outcomes.

The funding gap

The forums laid bare a difficult truth: while Australia’s regional road assets are critical to national connectivity, they are persistently underfunded. Discussions revealed that the current level of funding is not only delaying repairs but also accelerating the deterioration of infrastructure, leaving local councils and State Road Authorities caught in a vicious cycle of reactive maintenance.

The data collated during workshop sessions reflects this stark reality. Attendees repeatedly cited “lack of funding” and “inadequate budget” as root causes of systemic issues like workforce shortages, loss of skilled workers, and sub-optimal asset management processes. The results? A network increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events, reduced road safety, and communities left disconnected.

People power

Human capital remains one of the sector’s greatest assets, but also one of its most strained. Workforce shortages, high staff turnover, and the exodus of experienced personnel were prevalent concerns. Compounding the issue is the rise in lower-skilled staff and the challenge of attracting talent into local government roles.

Participants from all five regions emphasised that without investment in workforce development, even the most innovative engineering solutions will struggle to scale. Additionally, community expectations are increasing, while asset managers are faced with ageing infrastructure and several external factors beyond their control. This situation leaves them without the autonomy and resources needed to achieve effective results.

Resilience

An important topic of discussion was the challenges posed by bureaucratic processes and complex procurement systems. Asset managers noted that some of the existing procedures could be seen as inflexible and somewhat outdated, which can slow down innovation and delay maintenance schedules. While these processes serve essential functions, there was a recognition that they may not always align with the practical realities faced on the ground.

Many delegates highlighted how the issue of resilience amidst climate change is often tied to limited funding for preventative maintenance. They discussed how recent natural disasters have highlighted the importance of adopting more sustainable and forward-thinking asset management strategies. Unfortunately, these approaches are frequently not implemented as much as they could be, often due to the focus on short-term priorities and reactive budgeting.

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Turning the tide

Despite these challenges, the forums showcased innovative thinking that could chart a more sustainable path forward. Sessions on AI in maintenance, micro-surfacing techniques, bitumen emulsions, and crumb rubber asphalt offered concrete (and sometimes literally asphaltic) strategies for better outcomes.

The circular economy also took centre stage. The case for rehabilitation and recycling, particularly through in-situ material testing and stabilisation, was made with passion and evidence. Not only are these methods environmentally sound, but they also promise long-term cost savings and improved pavement performance.

Furthermore, collaborative planning emerged as a key solution. Multiple speakers emphasised the importance of a shared vision between state departments, local councils, and industry players. As one delegate succinctly put it, “We don’t just need money; we need shared goals, flexible policies, and trust in local expertise.”

Forum legacy

AfPA and AustStab have positioned these forums as a catalyst for change, creating a space for open dialogue and practical problem-solving. This movement has the potential to redefine rural and regional road maintenance, but for it to succeed, key industry stakeholders must move beyond a narrative and implement actionable solutions. Insights gained from the forums must translate into streamlined procurement processes, reliable funding models, and workforce development programs that reflect real-world challenges.

These forums have quickly established themselves as premier gatherings for infrastructure professionals in regional contexts, offering more than just lectures. They provide an interactive and collaborative environment for attendees to gain insights, share knowledge, and forge meaningful partnerships across public and private sectors. Participants engage with real-world case studies and evidence-based presentations that explore sustainable maintenance strategies, new technologies, and practical innovations to improve road network performance.

Moreover, the forums serve as a platform for professionals to connect, build cross-regional relationships, and gain a clearer understanding of how similar challenges are being addressed elsewhere.

The events create an opportunity to step back from day-to-day pressures and examine strategic approaches that can be adapted or scaled locally.

From community-focused engineers to government asset managers, the sense of shared purpose is strong and energising. It’s time for “a little more bite and a little less bark.”

The Regional Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Forums were more than a meeting of minds – they were a collective call to arms. The ingenuity, experience, and commitment across the sector are unquestionable. What they need now is meaningful collaboration from all parties.

Without a shift from conversation to action, Australia’s regional roads and the communities that rely on them will continue to fall through the cracks.

AfPA and AustStab would like to thank the Sponsors for these Forums: BildGroup, Fulton Hogan, and Stabilised Pavements of Australia. Without their generous assistance, these events would not be possible.

We look forward to seeing continued engagement, sustained investment, and systemic reform, ensuring that the road forward is not only paved but resilient, smart, and shared.