Inverell Shire Council has endorsed the draft Roads Asset Management Plan 2026–2037 for public exhibition, providing the community with an opportunity to review and provide feedback on the long-term management of the Shire’s road network.
The draft Plan sets out Council’s strategic approach to maintaining, renewing and upgrading road infrastructure across Inverell Shire over the next decade.
The Plan aims to support safe, reliable and sustainable transport infrastructure that underpins community connectivity, freight movement, agriculture, tourism, emergency access and regional economic activity.
Mayor Kate Dight said the Plan is an important step in ensuring Council continues to responsibly manage one of its largest and most valuable infrastructure assets.
“Our road network is critical to daily life across Inverell Shire. This Plan provides a clear and evidence-based framework for how Council will maintain and improve roads into the future while balancing community expectations, risk and available funding,” the Mayor said.
Council currently manages approximately 2,254 kilometres of sealed and unsealed roads, including regional roads, rural roads and urban streets. The road asset portfolio has an estimated replacement value exceeding $514 million.
The Roads Asset Management Plan has been developed using information gathered through Council’s 2025/2026 Asset Valuation and Condition Review, asset management systems, condition inspections, GIS data and community feedback processes.
The review found the majority of the network is currently performing at acceptable service levels, with around 85 per cent of sealed roads rated in good or fair condition. However, the Plan also identifies increasing long-term renewal pressures associated with ageing infrastructure, rising construction costs, freight demand and extreme weather events.
The draft Plan outlines future priorities including:
- Maintaining safe and reliable road conditions
- Improving long-term network sustainability
- Prioritising renewal investment based on risk and asset condition
- Strengthening preventative maintenance programs
- Improving asset data, lifecycle modelling and long-term financial planning.
The Plan also highlights the importance of continued advocacy for additional State and Federal funding to support regional road infrastructure investment.
Mayor Kate Dight stated, community feedback would play an important role in the finalisation of the document.
“Roads and transport infrastructure continue to be identified by the community as one of Council’s highest priorities. Public exhibition provides residents, businesses and stakeholders with the opportunity to review the Plan and provide valuable feedback before it is formally adopted by Council.”
The draft Roads Asset Management Plan 2026–2037 will be placed on public exhibition for 28 days. During this period, Council invites submissions from the community and relevant stakeholders.
Following the exhibition period, a further report will be presented to Council summarising any submissions received and recommending any amendments prior to final adoption.
The draft Plan will be available for viewing on Council’s website and at Council’s Administration Centre during the exhibition period.
Media Release: Inverell Shire council
