Thursday, 9 July 2026
Local councils across Australia are invited to participate in a national survey that will help ensure technical specifications used for road and bridge infrastructure are practical, fit-for-purpose and better aligned with local government needs.
Austroads, in partnership with the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), has launched a survey to better understand how councils develop and use technical specifications for the planning, construction, maintenance and management of transport infrastructure.
Technical specifications provide detailed requirements for how infrastructure works are designed, constructed and maintained. They play a critical role in promoting consistency, quality, safety and efficiency across transport projects, helping road agencies and councils deliver reliable infrastructure outcomes.
As the association of Australian and New Zealand transport agencies, Austroads develops and maintains technical guidance, including the Austroads Technical Specifications (ATS), which support road management agencies in delivering transport infrastructure to a high standard. The specifications are developed collaboratively with transport agencies and industry experts to reflect current best practice.
The survey builds on work undertaken by the Austroads Technical Advisory Group (ATAG), which provides expert technical leadership and oversight for Austroads Technical Specifications. Through this work, Austroads is seeking to ensure that the ATS continue to meet the needs of all road management agencies, including local governments, which manage the majority of Australia's road network.
ALGA has joined the initiative to ensure the perspectives of councils and public works professionals are reflected in future improvements. Together, the organisations aim to identify where existing specifications are working well, where challenges exist, and what additional support may help councils meet their infrastructure delivery needs.
The findings will help Austroads and ALGA better understand the diverse needs of councils across Australia and identify opportunities to improve consistency, reduce duplication of effort, strengthen technical capability and support more efficient infrastructure delivery. The insights will also inform future development of Austroads Technical Specifications and related guidance materials.
The survey also provides an opportunity for councils to engage directly with Austroads through a follow-up conversation.
The survey takes approximately 5–10 minutes to complete and will remain open until 31 August 2026.
About Austroads
Austroads is the peak organisation of Australasian road transport and traffic agencies. Austroads provides expert technical guidance, research and advice that supports its member agencies in delivering safe, efficient and sustainable transport outcomes.
About ALGA
The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) is the national voice of local government, representing councils across Australia and advocating on issues of national significance to local communities.