An emergency alert for flash flooding in Laidley and Glenore Grove has been cancelled. Earlier, Lockyer Valley Regional Council had issued a watch and act warning at 12pm on Monday, 26 October. Flash flooding was occurring in Laidley Creek and could affect roads, with some closures in place. People in a life-threatening situation should phone Triple Zero (000) immediately. Non-life-threatening storm damage can be reported to SES on 132 500.
Residents of Kalkallo, in Melbourne's outer north, are calling for new roads as their population has grown from 105 in 2016 to more than 11,000 in 2026. The only exit from the suburb is onto Donnybrook Road, and residents describe daily traffic jams. The Victorian government says construction of a $153 million interchange on the Hume Freeway will begin by the end of 2026, funded by developer Stockland. The Coalition has promised to duplicate Donnybrook Road. A car bridge is not planned until at least 2037.
Two major road projects in Wallan, north of Melbourne, are running ahead of schedule and could open six months early, in mid-2027. The Watson Street Interchange Upgrade is more than halfway complete, and the Northern Highway Intersection Upgrade is also on track for early completion. The $175 million program is jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian governments and aims to improve access to the Hume Freeway and ease congestion. The projects are expected to support more than 1,100 jobs during construction.
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Parties contesting New Zealand's election are promoting different transport measures. National is promising more major roads, while Labour and the Greens are pledging public transport fare caps. An analysis argues these measures will not ease immediate fuel cost pressures or fix unreliable bus and train services. The government's transport programme allocates NZ$6.4 billion to public transport over three years, but councils are expected to recover more costs through fares. The writer says the next government should focus on reliable alternatives that give households more practical choices.
The Hills Shire Council is calling on state and federal governments to fund a set of infrastructure priorities. Top of the list is a full upgrade of Windsor and Old Windsor Road, where drivers currently average about 20km/h in the morning peak. Mayor Dr Michelle Byrne says the council is meeting its housing targets and that governments must match the growth with funding for schools, roads, transport and sporting facilities. The priorities include securing the Outer Sydney Orbital corridor and extending the Sydney Metro. The council says the requests are essential basics for the region's growing population.
Brewarrina Shire Council has set up a separate contact point for road matters. Residents should use the new roads email for issues such as potholes, gravel road grading, drainage, damaged guardrails and flood-related road impacts. All other enquiries go to the council's existing general address. For urgent matters during office hours, residents can call the council, and emergency calls after hours go to a separate number.
Cook Shire Council spent $68.7 million repairing natural disaster damage in 2025–26, mostly to roads hit by wet weather. Mayor Robyn Holmes said the council kept employee costs rising by just 0.9 per cent, well below inflation of 3.8 per cent. Unrestricted cash rose $5.6 million to $35.9 million. The statements show an operating deficit of $9.1 million, mainly due to the timing of disaster recovery and grant payments and higher depreciation after asset revaluation. The Queensland Audit Office is finalising its audit, and the council expects to present its Annual Report to a special meeting in November 2026.
The Liberal Party has promised a $288 million Country Roads and Bridges Program if it wins next month's election. Each of Victoria's 48 rural and regional councils would receive $1.5 million a year for four years. Councils, not a grants process, would decide which local road and bridge projects come first. Liberal candidate for Macedon Kate Kendall said Macedon Ranges, Hepburn, Moorabool and Mount Alexander shires would receive a combined $24 million.
Pothole repairs have begun across Greater Geelong and the Bellarine and are due to finish by June next year. The state government will target key roads in the south-west, including Princes Highway West, Hamilton Highway and Barwon Heads Road. Member for Geelong Christine Couzens said more than 100,000 potholes have already been fixed. Roads minister Paul Hamer said crews will repair 6.8 million square metres of road across more than 1000 projects statewide. Crews will also inspect thousands of bridges and maintain traffic lights and electronic road signs.
Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors have unanimously adopted an Annual Action Plan for 2026-27. The plan sets out road resurfacing and rehabilitation of more than 200,000 square metres, and the cleaning of 500 kilometres of beaches. It also includes completing new social housing for women and children. Councillor Paul Pingiaro said the plan moves the council's strategy into delivery, with quarterly progress reports to follow. Councillor David Gill said the plan can change during the year as priorities shift.
The ACT Auditor-General's report highlights shortcomings in the government's road resurfacing strategy, noting continued reliance on cheaper bitumen despite a preference for more durable asphalt. The assessment process for road repairs lacks transparency, making it difficult for the public to gauge improvements. Recent wet seasons have exacerbated road deterioration, with motorists expressing dissatisfaction. While the new strategy increased maintenance spending and resurfacing targets, the use of bituminous reseal instead of asphalt may have long-term consequences.
With 50 days until Victorians vote, the Municipal Association of Victoria says the state election debate is only halfway there. The association wants candidates to look beyond basic council services such as roads, waste and parks. It has called for a three-year Fund the Gap program, a statewide Community Cohesion Action Fund and faster investment in road and transport links. It also wants councils involved in planning for data centres and the energy transition. The association says local government needs stable funding to deliver for all Victorians.
The NSW and federal governments have announced a $1.7 billion investment in regional roads across New South Wales. The funding will upgrade key freight corridors, including the Golden Highway from Newcastle to Dubbo, Muswellbrook to Armidale, and Tocumwal to Euston. Projects will include safety and capacity upgrades, such as overtaking lanes and resurfacing, to accommodate increasing freight and recreational vehicle traffic. The governments aim to complete the projects within four years, with 59 projects alone in the Newcastle to Dubbo corridor.
