An upcoming webinar, to be delivered and supported by the Municipal Works Australia association, is set to provide essential information around the changes happening with temporary traffic management.
Developed in response to requests from councils and associations, the Navigating Temporary Traffic Management Change for Local Councils webinar will aim to answer some of the sector’s long-standing questions about temporary traffic management.
The most important of which is major changes to rules and regulations.
Previously, each state and territory in Australia managed temporary traffic management at roadworks and construction sites according to their own regulations, policies, standards, and guidelines.
This was a contributing factor to inconsistencies across the country and challenges in ensuring safety and compliance.
Recognising the need for a unified approach, especially due to injuries and fatalities at roadwork sites, there’s been a recent push to harmonise these standards nationally.
The national harmonisation effort is being led by Austroads, which produced the Austroads Guide to Temporary Traffic Management.
Thuan Nguyen, Traffic lead – Safe System Solutions Pty Ltd was a technical coordinator for the guide and has partnered with Municipal Works Australia to deliver the Navigating Temporary Traffic Management Change for Local Councils webinar.
He says the goal is to have all states and territories adopt a single, consistent set of guidelines and requirements for temporary traffic management, improving safety and making it easier for councils and companies to comply.
“In the webinar, we’ll be talking about the changes, and some of the challenges facing councils, as well as some of the tips and advice on a high level on how to navigate this change, to get the best outcome,” he says.
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Just some of the changes that will be addressed include new risk assessment approaches, updated training requirements for workers, company accreditation and quality control, as well as improvements in auditing processes.
“It’s a topic that’s close to my heart and something that concerns all of us. Often when we’re driving around, we go straight past roadwork sites, but rarely do we consider the dangers,” Thuan says.
He adds that councils will be better prepared, after attending the webinar, to review and action required changes, to adhere to the new guidelines.
“This webinar is an opportunity to share information across the industry, to help us understand what the pain points are and how we can work together to help councils and industry along the way,” he says.
“Councils need to understand that this isn’t something they can ignore. There’s real change that’s happening, so they need to understand what they need to do and how it’s going to impact them.”
And for those sitting on the fence…
“If you’re involved in any roadwork, whether it’s building, construction, utility works, gas, water or electricity, anyone who’s involved in work that involves access onto the road and interaction with the road should be aware of these changes,” Thuan says. “You’ve got a lot more to lose by running into non-compliance and conformance-related issues. These aren’t up to interpretation; they’re a requirement.
“So, if you’re unsure, come to the webinar. You’ve got nothing to lose, and I know you’ll take something from it.”
The Navigating Temporary Traffic Management Change for Local Councils webinar will take place on Tuesday,
14 October 2025, commencing at 10am AEST (Australian Eastern Standard Time).
For more information, visit: municipalworks.com.au
This article was originally published in the September edition of our magazine. To read the magazine, click here.
