Local Roads Congress

Shaping the Future of Local Roads Through Collaboration and Policy Leadership

History and Purpose

The Local Roads Congress is an annual event hosted by the Roads & Transport Directorate. It brings together local council mayors, councillors, and executives to discuss road-related policy issues, share insights, and collaborate on solutions to improve local road networks across New South Wales. The first NSW Local Roads Congress was held in December 2005 and has been held annually since then.

Upcoming Congress

The 2026 Local Roads Congress will take place on 1 June 2026 at NSW Parliament, bringing together local councils and key stakeholders to discuss the future of the NSW local road network. This year’s event will convene under the theme “Shaping Policies for Stronger Communities”.

Don’t miss this opportunity to collaborate, discuss current and emerging issues and help shape the direction of road and transport policies that impact local communities across the state.

Testimonials from Attendees

Helen Hayden Councillor, Oberon Council

The Local Roads Congress' are full of information elected officials can use in their role as a councillor. Road assets are any councils largest and priority asset, to meet with fellow councillors across our region and state gives opportunity to network and discuss priorities surrounding infrastructure. The Congress allows like minded delegates to meet with Agencies and State and Federal ministers and allow our voices to be heard and priorities listed in the communique. Thank you IPWEA and your associated sponsors for giving elected officials this important channel for networking and hearing us.

Robert Fish Director Community Infrastructure, PMHC

The Local Roads Congress has been a key driver of roads policy and funding reform over many years. It has provided a real advocacy platform to ensure local road issues are heard at all levels of government. The forum has also provided an opportunity to learn, discuss and hear of experiences from specialist industry bodies and other Councils across NSW on topics relevant to road safety and asset management in particular.

Stephen Targett Director of Engineering Services, Junee Shire Council

I have thoroughly enjoy attending the NSW Local Roads Congress over the past two years. The program has been relevant to rural NSW councils and focused on some key items relevant to our Council including efficient asset management of a large, sealed network, natural disaster funding improvements and betterment of culvert and bridge structures. The need for targeted advocacy in the local government space is often undervalued and it is great to be a part of it alongside other Councillors and Engineers.

Previous Communique

The key outcome of each local roads congress is the publication of the congress communiqué. The communiqué is developed through consensus of congress delegates on priority policy items, and provides a number of recommendations for Federal, State and Local Governments to address these items. The communiqué also helps inform the advocacy agenda for the Roads and Transport Directorate over the next 12 months.

A copy of the most recent congress communiqué, as well as those from earlier congresses, can be accessed at the link below.