Longreach was the destination for the inaugural IPWEAQ Western Roads Symposium. Held in partnership with the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and Longreach Regional Council, this highly successful event was attended by over 80 delegates from Goondiwindi in the south to Carpentaria in the north, the Burnett in the east to the central desert in the Northern Territory. Overall, there were 17 regional councils, seven consulting firms and 12 suppliers represented at this event.

The aim of the Symposium was to explore the use of locally available materials in the construction, maintenance and operations of our road assets specifically related to western and northern conditions. The use of non-standard materials and processes for the construction and maintenance of roads in regional and remote areas of Queensland present significant challenges to our sector. Over the years, practitioners have built up a sound base of knowledge and skills of what works best utilising locally sourced materials. However, in recent times this knowledge base has slowly eroded through the natural attrition of our experienced workforce at a time when the demand on our network is growing.

This symposium provided delegates with the opportunity to learn from experienced technical experts and to network with others facing the same challenges. It was encouraging to hear a number of younger delegates discussing their positive experiences at the symposium including the buoyant mood that carried on throughout the event. The common themes across all speakers were:

·       investigate the root cause of the issue

·       investigate all available options

·       understand the material you are working with

·       take advantage of the knowledge and skills available across the network

·       build capability within your organisation.

Following this successful event, we look forward to holding similar symposia in other parts of the state.