And that's a wrap - thank you Dalby!

The weather warmed up in Dalby as we welcomed 145 delegates for our Rural Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Forum. The program included 12 insightful presentations tackling real issues on our regional roads.

Steve Hegedus, Partner/Director Client Services, Shepherd, kicked off the forum discussing artificial intelligence (AI) for sealed road maintenance management. The project involves representatives from five regional road groups across Queensland. Steve discussed how the project conducts research into the current advancements in the use of AI and machine learning for the purpose of road maintenance management and renewal planning for sealed roads. Thank you to all our presenters from either side of the private and public works sector:

• Adrian Cahill, Technical Services Manager, RCPA
• Craig Moss, Director, Professional Development, IPWEAQ
• Damian Volker, Senior Technical Officer, Department of Transport and Main Roads
• Lory Noya, Principal Professional Leader, Asset Performance, ARRB
• Sam Fitzgerard, Works Manager, Western Downs Regional Council
• Mahendra Mistry, Department of Transport and Main Roads 
• Anil Sesathpura Dewage, Department of Transport and Main Roads
• David Klease, National Manager Machine Control, C.R. Kennedy 
• Ray Hicks, Director, Brandon and Associates
• David Bell, Regional Manager South Queensland, Stabilised Pavements of Australia
• Carl Topp, Queensland Technical Manager, Boral
• Zehra Kaya, National Business Manager – Roads and Pavements, Huesker

The forum dinner was buzzing at the Russell Tavern, with well over 100 people excited to finally network in person.

Day two of the forum began with a site demonstration conducted by C.R. Kennedy and Western Downs Regional Council. The site demonstration provided delegates with a practical understanding of how machine control works and an appreciation of the benefits this technology can provide to road construction and maintenance activities.

Thank you to everyone who attended the forum, and for sharing your experiences and expertise in the sector. We look forward to seeing you at the 2022 Rural Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Forum! Special thanks to our generous event host, Western Downs Regional Council, the morning tea sponsor, Shepherd and RPQ Group for kindly sponsoring dinner.