Local government advocates say building better roads could save billions. 

With the cost of repairing Australia’s flood and rain damaged roads expected to top $3.8 billion, the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has joined with the Australian Road Research Board (ARRB) to call for an urgent rethink of road construction, maintenance and funding.

Speaking on behalf of Australia’s 537 councils, ALGA President Linda Scott said rebuilding these roads to current standards would only cost Australian communities more in the long term.

“In recent months, thousands of kilometres of local roads across NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland have been severely damaged by flooding, and in some cases have been washed away,” Cr Scott said.

“ALGA has estimated the total cost of fixing and replacing these roads is in the vicinity of $3.8 billion, which is roughly the equivalent of Australia’s annual foreign aid budget.

“Considering the ongoing impacts of climate change, we can’t simply rebuild our local infrastructure - including roads, footpaths and cycleways - to current standards, we need a fundamental shift in the way we fund, deliver and maintain these assets.”

ARRB Chief Executive Officer Michael Caltabiano said the extensive damage to large parts of the road system across several states is an opportunity to evolve the way Australia’s roads are constructed and managed.

“Moisture is kryptonite for roads, and inevitably leads to potholes. This year’s floods and torrential rains have caused large-scale catastrophic damage to the road systems that connect communities and deliver freight. Now is the time to reassess what innovations are possible to prevent a repeat of this infrastructure emergency,” Mr Caltabiano said.

Mr Caltabiano said standards and materials used for constructing Australia’s road systems need to change to improve water resistance and quicker recovery after significant rainfall events.

“Australia houses some of the smartest road technology in the world and the latest ARRB research shows many recyclables - including tyre rubber - are not only eco-friendly but create a more durable and resilient road surfaces,” Mr Caltabiano said.

“ARRB also has a range of … state-of-the-art vehicles fitted with lasers and high-tech equipment to measure road conditions at traffic speed.  Pinpointing the issues on a road can ensure valuable maintenance dollars are spent in the right place, at the right time.”

Cr Scott said while councils appreciate the significant federal government support they receive, they need an increase in Federal Roads to Recovery funding from $500 million to $800 million per year to help invest in new technologies and build more resilient roads.