START Conference  & Best Paper

Picture: START26 Best Paper Award presented to the TMR Safer Roads Infrastructure (SRI) at the START26 National Conference in Adelaide. L to R: Janet Dobbs (Director, Traffic Engineering, TMR), Matthew Bereni (TMAA CEO), Harsh Trivedi (Director, Safety Technology Assets, TMR). Andrew White (TMAA Chair for SA)

The Traffic Management Association of Australia (TMAA) invites professionals from local, state, federal government and government agencies to contribute to the future of safe traffic and roadworks technology by submitting abstracts and papers for presentation at the annual Safe Traffic And Roadworks Technology (START) Conference.

We are seeking thought-leading, practical, and innovative papers that highlight the role of government in shaping safer, smarter, and more sustainable traffic and roadworks practices.

This is a unique opportunity for government professionals to:

• Showcase innovative projects, policy insights, or technology applications.
• Share lessons learned from real-world case studies.
• Gain national recognition for contributions to road and worker safety.
• Engage with industry leaders and decision-makers.

The Best Paper will be:

• Awarded a 20 to 30-minute presentation slot on the main stage at the annual START conference.
• Recognised with the official START Best Paper Certificate.
• Published in full in Detours magazine (on demand)
• Celebrated on TMAA’s social media channels, gaining national exposure.

We welcome submissions addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

1. Policy, Regulation and Strategy

• Integrating temporary traffic management into long-term road safety plans.
• Regulatory reform and innovation for safer worksites.
• Collaborative approaches between government, industry, and technology providers.

2. Safety, Innovation and Technology

• Smart work zones, connected systems, and digital traffic control.
• Applications of AI, sensors, and automation in roadwork environments.
• Wearable technology to enhance roadworker safety.

3. Sustainability and Future Planning

• Reducing environmental impact of traffic management solutions.
• Planning for climate resilience and extreme weather in roadworks.
• Sustainable mobility during infrastructure delivery.

4. Case Studies and Pilots

• Successful government-led road safety initiatives.
• Pilot projects from local councils or state road authorities.
• Lessons learned from national and international collaborations.

Length: 150–200 words abstracts, followed by 1,000–2,500 words papers.

• Format: PDF or Word document.
• Abstract deadline: 2 October 2026
• Notification of Acceptance: 12 November 2026
• Deadline for full paper submission: 30 January 2027
• Best paper announced: March 27.

Papers will be reviewed by a panel formed by TMAA.Selection will be based on originality, relevance, clarity, and practical impact.

Open only to employees and representatives of TMAA Associate Government Entities.