Australia’s road networks are under increasing strain. More extreme weather, growing freight and commuter demands, and tight public budgets are all forcing governments to rethink how infrastructure is maintained. At the same time, there’s a growing expectation to make assets last longer, deliver better value, and meet higher sustainability standards.
The Asset Maintenance & Materials Conference at Highways AU 2025, taking place at ICC Sydney on 15-16 October, brings together leaders from across the country to discuss how they are meeting these pressures with smarter planning, better materials, and more strategic delivery.
From reactive fixes to data-led maintenance
With large networks and limited funding, knowing where and when to invest is critical. At Transport for NSW, John Hardwick, Executive Director of Asset Management, and Brett Butcher, Director of Regional Assets, are leading efforts to apply data and asset intelligence to guide decision-making and get ahead of future maintenance issues before they escalate.
Using digital tools, integrated asset systems, and predictive maintenance planning, agencies like theirs are improving long-term performance and reducing disruptions across regional and urban networks. The conference will look at what’s working and how others can adopt similar practices in their own networks.
Sustainability and material innovation
The pressure to reduce carbon and build more sustainably is shaping how roads are constructed and maintained. Tony Aloisio, CEO of the Australian Flexible Pavement Association, and Tanja Conners, CEO of AustStab, are working with industry and government to embed recycled materials and circular economy practices into road infrastructure projects across the country.
This includes the use of reclaimed asphalt, recycled aggregates, and stabilised materials that not only reduce environmental impact but often deliver better performance. The conference will spotlight how these innovations are being scaled and the practical changes needed in standards and procurement to support wider adoption.
Resilience to climate extremes
Local councils are on the front lines of managing roads in areas prone to flood, fire, and heat. Leaders such as Jinjiang Zhong, Principal Engineer of Road Asset Management at Logan City Council, Will Barton, Director of Infrastructure Services at Hawkesbury City Council, and Eng Lim, Director of Infrastructure Services at Quilpie Shire Council, will share how they are planning for and responding to climate risk with limited resources.
Sessions will explore what it takes to make networks more resilient, from smarter materials and design to better scenario planning and local coordination. Attendees will hear firsthand what has worked on the ground and how to plan for increasingly unpredictable conditions.
Rethinking contracts and delivery
Maintenance is not just about the work on the road, it’s about how that work is procured and delivered. Speakers will also discuss how contract models are evolving to support long-term outcomes, not just short-term fixes.
From performance-based maintenance contracts to more collaborative delivery approaches, agencies are finding ways to better align contractor incentives with safety, durability, and sustainability goals. These changes are helping unlock innovation and improve value for money across the asset lifecycle.
What to expect
The Asset Maintenance & Materials Conference offers practical insights for road managers at all levels of government. Over two days, attendees will:
Hear directly from state leaders like John Hardwick and Brett Butcher on Transport for NSW’s approach to smart asset management
Learn from industry leaders such as Tony Aloisio and Tanja Conners about the latest in recycled materials and sustainable practices
Get real-world lessons from local leaders like Jinjiang Zhong, Will Barton, and Eng Lim who are delivering in diverse regional contexts
Understand how to prepare for climate impacts and design more resilient infrastructure
Explore new delivery models that improve outcomes without increasing costs
Whether you manage a metropolitan freeway or a rural road network, this free to attend conference offers valuable ideas you can take back to your organisation. It’s not just about new technology or materials, it’s about a smarter, more strategic way to care for the roads Australians rely on every day.
To find out more, visit terrapinn.com
