Austroads is the association of Australian and New Zealand road transport and traffic authorities. Austroads members are the six Australian state and two territory road transport and traffic authorities, the Department for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), and the New Zealand Transport Agency.

Austroads has traditionally operated with a 'decentralised' structure. The main characteristics of this structure are a small national office and utilisation of staff and other resources of member authorities to undertake or at least manage a significant part of the work. The benefits of this structure are that it:

• provides opportunities for the staff of member organisations to participate in the operation of Austroads and the development and delivery of projects
• promotes professional development for staff of member organisations
• encourages a collegiate, collaborative approach
• facilitates a high level of consistency across jurisdictions
• creates opportunities for networking and information exchange between road agencies.

Austroads’ purpose is to contribute to the achievement of improved Australian and New Zealand transport related outcomes by:

• undertaking nationally strategic research on behalf of Australasian road agencies and communicating outcomes
• promoting improved practice by Australasian road agencies
• facilitating collaboration between road agencies to avoid duplication
• promoting harmonisation, consistency and uniformity in road and related operations
• providing expert advice to the Australian Transport Council (ATC) and the Standing Committee on Transport (SCOT).
  

• Undertake projects which assist road agencies to address current and emerging issues that have the potential to have a major impact on their operation

Provide funding to undertake research in the following areas:

• bituminous surfacings
• pavements structures
• asset management
• engineering safety.

• Produce and promote a comprehensive range of publications which assist road agencies in the planning, design, construction, maintenance, operation and stewardship of roads

• Provide technical input as the road modal group to ATC and the Standing Committee on Transport (SCOT)

• Promote the wide dissemination of outputs and technology by conducting seminars and promoting use of Austroads' work

• Provide a common vehicle for engagement with international road issues and organisations and providing support to related organisations
  

In pursuing its purpose, Austroads' key principles are to:

• take an integrated approach to transport issues and work cooperatively with other modal interests
• develop partnerships and relationships with other similar organisations, industry and other stakeholders
• respect the position of individual members
• promote an innovative approach
• demonstrate good governance and conduct.

In undertaking projects, Austroads gives specific consideration to the following:

• environmental sustainability and cultural heritage
• community consultation and engagement
• funding and financing options
• improving data availability
• integration between roads and other transport modes.

If you would like to know more about Austroads, click here to download the corporate brochure.