The Local Government Association of South Australia (LGASA) has hosted the Roads and Works Conference, highlighting the critical role councils play in managing local roads and community infrastructure.
The event ran from 28-30 August, attracting over 300 delegates, including elected members, industry leaders and council infrastructure professionals, all gathering to discuss the latest innovations and initiatives in roads and infrastructure.
South Australian councils manage 76 per cent of the state’s road network and invest around 40 per cent of their annual budget on essential infrastructure, like roads, footpaths, parks, sports facilities and swimming centres, to support liveability, road safety, wellbeing and connection.
2024’s conference focuses on the challenges and opportunities presented by rapidly expanding regional areas and housing supply, emphasising the need for well-planned infrastructure to support sustainable growth.
LGASA President, Mayor Dean Johnson, remarked on the importance of this annual event, particularly in the context of South Australia’s sharp focus on housing.
“Across South Australian communities, councils are at the forefront of supporting the development of new homes by leading major land rezoning efforts, investing in redevelopments, and planning for future growth areas,” Mayor Johnson said.
“But it’s essential to recognise that infrastructure is the backbone of these developments.
“Building thousands of new homes requires significant investments in local infrastructure – roads, water supply, parks – and councils are eager to collaborate to ensure we’re future-proofing our suburbs and towns.”
Other key areas of focus at the conference included strategies for infrastructure planning, attracting and retaining a skilled workforce, emergency management and reducing emissions in road and footpath construction.
The event features a series of keynote addresses, presentations from industry suppliers, panel discussions, and insights from councils across the state, all aimed at enhancing the management and development of South Australia’s roads and local community infrastructure.
The LGA’s Roads and Works Conference has been a key event in South Australia for over 30 years, bringing together major suppliers, experts and council staff working in infrastructure management, civil works, and engineering.
Image: fongleon356/shutterstock.com
