Ask anyone who works in traffic management to describe the scale of their industry, and they will give you a confident answer. They see it every day: in the size of the teams on site, the reach of the companies operating alongside them, and the volume of infrastructure activity their work makes possible.

The problem has always been proving it.

Until now, Australia's temporary traffic management (TTM) industry has operated without a consistent national picture of its own workforce, its economic contribution, or its growth trajectory. Data that other industries take for granted (e.g. workforce size, industry turnover, company counts by state) simply did not exist in any reliable, nationally consistent form for TTM.

That changes with the publication of TMAA's inaugural Workforce and Economic Footprint Report.

The First Report of Its Kind in Australia

Published in May 2026, this is the first time any organisation has attempted a rigorous, evidence-based estimate of the size and economic contribution of Australia's TTM sector at a national level.

The report draws on state government accreditation and prequalification registers, national occupation data from Jobs and Skills Australia, and TMAA's own annual industry survey to build a picture of the industry that is grounded in the best available public and member data.

The methodology is transparent, the assumptions are documented, and the findings are significant.

"For too long, our industry has had to operate without a clear picture of its own size, scale, and economic contribution. This report changes that. For the first time, we have a credible national baseline, and with it, a much stronger foundation for every policy, procurement, and workforce conversation we need to have." 

Matthew Bereni, TMAA CEO

What the Report Covers

The report addresses the questions that operators, business owners, and industry stakeholders have been asking for years.

How many people does the TTM industry actually employ across Australia? How many companies are operating nationally, and how are they distributed across states and territories? What is the industry's estimated annual turnover? How does TTM compare to other industries in terms of economic contribution? And where is the industry headed between now and 2030?

For the first time, there are defensible, evidence-based answers to all of them.

Why It Matters for Your Business

Industry data is not just a matter of national interest. For TTM business owners and operators, understanding the size and shape of the sector they work in has direct practical value.

It informs how you benchmark your own business performance. It shapes how you approach workforce planning and recruitment. It strengthens the case you make to clients about the professionalism and scale of the industry they are procuring from. And it gives you a credible foundation when you are in commercial or regulatory conversations where the industry's contribution needs to be on the table.

For too long, those conversations have happened without the data to back them up. That is no longer the case.

Access the Report

The full report, including all findings, methodology, state-by-state breakdowns, and 2030 projections, is available for free for TMAA members and for purchase through the TMAA online store for non Members.

TMAA is also hosting a members-only webinar on Wednesday, 25 June 2026 at 12PM AEST to walk through the findings in detail and answer questions directly from the industry.

If you are already a TMAA member, log in to access the report and register for the webinar.

In welcome news for the temporary traffic management (TTM) sector, Austroads has released Edition 1.2 of its Guide to Temporary Traffic Management (AGTTM). Almost a third of the content from the previous edition has been updated as part of the latest release.

It's been five years since Edition 1.1 of AGTTM was implemented in 2021, during which time the Guide has come to underpin how safe, well-planned worksites are built across the country.  As those of us in the industry know, AGTTM guides the planning, design, and implementation of TTM across all works on or near roads, as well as how road authorities need to meet their legislative responsibilities for both worker and public safety.

Edition 1.2 represents a meaningful refinement of the Guide, with the changes focused around three guiding principles:

• Aligning the guide with contemporary best practice.
• Improving clarity and ease-of-use.
• Strengthening the consistency of terminology throughout.

Importantly though, Austroads has deliberately retained the existing structure of AGTTM. That's a practical decision that TMAA strongly supports. It means organisations can integrate the Edition 1.2 updates into their existing TTM documentation without having to rebuild frameworks from scratch.

We strongly encourage all TMAA members and industry stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the changes. Austroads has released a summary document on the update, which can be downloaded from their website: Updates to Austroads Guide to Temporary Traffic Management Edition 1.2 (AP-R765-26)

TMAA also encourages members to register for Austroads' free webinar on Edition 1.2. Presented by Point8 on behalf of Austroads, the webinar will be held on Monday 6 July 2026. You can register for the webinar HERE.

Even if you're unable to attend at the allocated date/time, we strongly encourage you to register so you receive a recording of the webinar after the session.

If your organisation has any queries on how to interpret the changes in Edition 1.2, or about AGTTM in general, you are encouraged to contact the AGTTM Point8 team at AustroadsTTMSupport@point8.com.au. Alternatively, please contact your relevant state/territory road authority for more information.

You can download the full set of the latest AGTTM documents from the Austroads website.

Today, Main Roads WA announced the outcomes from its consultation on the proposed changes to the State Road Traffic Management Company Registration Scheme.

Main Roads had consulted on five proposed changes to the Registration Scheme, focused on pay rates and employment conditions:

1. Simplify the pay classification structure in the Registration Scheme from six to three.
   
2. Use the Fair Work Commission's Annual Wage Review (AWR) decision to adjust Registration Scheme minimum rates of pay.
   
3. Switch from qualification-based pay to role-based pay.
   
4. Remove unique shift work interpretations, and revert to the Award's natural interpretation.
   
5. Revise the interpretation of leading hand rates of pay to be a weekly supplement.
   

TMAA undertook a survey across April and May to canvass member views on the changes. This feedback was central in forming TMAA's position and our subsequent submission to Main Roads WA.

Member feedback was supportive of the moves to simplify the pay classification structure, the switch to role-based pay, and to remove the unique shift work interpretations that were creating confusion for workers and operators.

However, we heard loud and clear there are ongoing issues created by the significant gap between Registration Scheme rates of pay and those specified in the relevant modern award, the Building and Construction General On-site Award. It was also communicated to Main Roads that the proposed change to a universal leading hand weekly supplement created fairness and equity issues, particularly where a worker may have worked as a leading hand for full-time hours, relative to another who may have acted in the role for a limited number of hours.

TMAA and its members have the utmost commitment to elevating the professionalism of the traffic management sector, and this extends to lifting the livelihoods of traffic controllers and ensuring they get remunerated fairly for their hard work. However, as we have communicated to Main Roads, the artificially inflated rates linked to the Registration Scheme create an incentive to clients and utilities providers to attempt to reduce the amount of traffic management they deploy on projects – or indeed avoid engaging traffic management altogether.

This impacts safety outcomes for both workers and the community.

TMAA, as the peak industry body for Australia's temporary traffic management (TTM) sector, was one of six member-based organisations to submit advocacy positions in response to the proposed changes. We were pleased to see Main Roads recognised TMAA's advocacy in its decision to not proceed with the changes to leading hand rates of pay, as well as the decision to progress with the move to simplify the number of pay classifications, and remove the unique shift work interpretations.

However, we do reiterate that maintaining a significant disparity between Registration Scheme rates and the Award - in the order of 30 per cent - has negative consequences for road safety by disincentivising clients and utilities providers from engaging sufficient traffic management to protect road users and workers.

Main Roads has advised that it has deferred the introduction of the Registration Scheme changes to 1 October 2026 to provide operators with sufficient time to implement the changes. However, we strongly encourage Main Roads to maintain open dialogue with TMAA and traffic management operators as the situation evolves.

TMAA members have the exclusive opportunity to directly influence TMAA's advocacy priorities. You can find out more about the benefits of becoming a TMAA member by visiting our Membership Benefits page.

This morning at 10.00 am AEST, the Fair Work Commission handed down its Annual Wage Review (AWR) decision for 2026.  The decision will see all modern award rates increase by 4.75 per cent, effective from 1 July 2026.

The decision can be read in full on the Fair Work Commission website.

The Fair Work Commission's decision applies across all modern awards, including:

• Building and Construction General On-site Award [MA000020]
• Security Services Industry Award [MA000016]
• Clerks - Private Sector Award [MA000002]
• Miscellaneous Award [MA000104]

Where workers are paid above the Award rate, or workers are covered by an enterprise agreement, rates must be reviewed to ensure workers remain better off.

As part of the decision, the Fair Work Commission has implemented an additional structural adjustment for the lowest award classifications, which will increase the National Minimum Wage to $26.44 per hour.

In announcing its decision, the Fair Work Commission also acknowledged the challenging environment in which this decision has been made, noting that national inflation remains outside of the Reserve Bank's target range of 2 to 3 per cent, as well as ongoing consequences from the conflict in the Middle East.

ACTIONS TO TAKE:

The Traffic Management Association of Australia (TMAA) has advised its members to make sure to review their payroll and pay functions to ensure all employee pay rates remain compliant.

This includes making sure the full Annual Wage Review increase is applied where workers are paid in accordance with an Award. Where members pay above the Award rate, or where workers are covered by an enterprise agreement, members should apply a "better off" test and make any adjustments as required.

Information about work conditions, including Awards and minimum wages and conditions, is available on the Fair Work Commission website.

Dear Members, 

We would like to inform you that TMAA's response to the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) Post-election report regarding the Traffic Management Association of Australia (TMAA) Scheduled Election E2025/144  is now available in the 'Members Area' \ Governance section of our website.

Kind regards
TMAA

Note: This article was published as part of our Associate Supplier membership entitlement.

Coates Traffic Solutions is continuing to strengthen its position as a trusted partner to Australia’s Temporary Traffic Management (TTM) industry, with significant national investment in equipment, technology and capability designed to support safer, more efficient work zones across the country.

Operating across major infrastructure, roadworks, construction sites and public events, Coates delivers end‑to‑end traffic solutions backed by a specialist national team and one of the most extensive traffic management fleets in the market.

According to Jarrad Whitby, Group Manager – Coates Traffic Solutions, scale and responsiveness are critical in today’s operating environment.

“Traffic management plays a vital role in protecting workers, motorists and pedestrians, particularly as projects become more complex and schedules tighter,” Jarrad says. “Our focus is on providing safe, reliable and compliant solutions at scale, while continuing to invest in the equipment and expertise our customers need to deliver safely and efficiently.”

National availability and expanded fleet

A key development for Coates Traffic Solutions is the nationwide availability of temporary fencing, enabling consistent support for projects and events across metropolitan, regional and remote locations. This capability is particularly valuable for multi‑site projects, such as major sporting events delivered across multiple cities, with all installations completed in accordance with AS 4687:2022 and supported by experienced crews.

Combined with an extensive range of steel, concrete and plastic barriers, road plates, electronic traffic management equipment and signage, Coates offers a single‑provider solution for traffic control and site access needs.

This national footprint is supported by more than 145 branches across Australia, allowing rapid mobilisation of equipment and experienced teams to meet changing project demands.

“Being able to support customers consistently across jurisdictions is increasingly important,” Jarrad says.
“Our national network allows us to deploy equipment quickly, manage logistics efficiently and maintain high safety and compliance standards regardless of location.”

Investment in electronic and smart traffic management

Coates is also making significant investment in electronic traffic management equipment to upgrade its existing fleet, including portable traffic lights, Variable Message Signs (VMS), speed advisory signs and boom gates, with better integration with Smart Work Zone technologies.

“Electronic traffic management is becoming a key part of how risk is managed on busy worksites,” Jarrad says.
“By investing in modern, compliant electronic traffic management equipment, we’re helping customers improve safety outcomes while maintaining traffic flow and minimising disruption.”

Customers also benefit from the ability to self‑manage certain equipment functions, such as VMS programming, providing greater flexibility and responsiveness on site.

Agility to support major projects

Coates’ ability to invest quickly and respond at scale has proven critical on some of Australia’s largest infrastructure projects – including fast approval of $1 million capital investment to purchase additional steel road plates, delivering more than 670 to a customer’s site in just four weeks. Jarrad says the organisation’s financial strength and operational agility allow it to adapt rapidly to changing site requirements.

“Even with one of the largest traffic management fleets in Australia, we never stand still,” he says. “Our ability to invest in new equipment when demand shifts is a key part of supporting major projects and avoiding delays.”

This ongoing fleet investment ensures Coates’ customers have access to modern, compliant equipment designed to perform in high‑risk and high‑traffic environments.

End‑to‑end service and compliance focus

Beyond equipment hire, Coates Traffic Solutions provides end‑to‑end project support, including scoping, planning, transport, installation, demobilisation and post‑project review. Installation and removal services are delivered by accredited crews, ensuring alignment with Australian Standards and state‑based requirements.

With increasing regulatory scrutiny and community expectations around safety, Jarrad says compliance remains central to the company’s approach.

“Our role is not just to supply equipment, but to help customers implement traffic management solutions that are safe, compliant and practical,” he says. “That’s where experience and strong partnerships with contractors, councils and authorities really matter.”

Supporting a safer industry

As the TTM industry continues to evolve, Coates remains focused on collaboration, innovation and investment to support safer outcomes for workers and road users alike.

“Traffic management is a shared responsibility,” Jarrad says. “By working closely with our customers and industry partners, we’re committed to raising standards and supporting the delivery of safer, more efficient projects across Australia.”

To connect with the Coates Traffic Solutions team, email traffic@coates.com.au or call 13 15 52

TMAA members are being encouraged to stay ahead of potential fuel disruptions by using online tracking tools that provides real-time insights into fuel availability across Australia, such as PetrolPulse.

The platform, PetrolPulse, offers up-to-date information on fuel shortages, helping businesses plan operations more effectively and minimise disruptions to traffic management activities. With fluctuating supply conditions and increasing pressure on fuel logistics, access to timely and reliable data is becoming increasingly important for the industry.

To access the PetrolPulse tracker, visit: https://petrolpulse.com.au/fuel-shortage

For further updates and industry insights, members should continue to monitor TMAA communications.

Dear Members

As requested by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC), the Election Notice, Nomination Form, and the Absentee Voting Application Form for the TMAA Management Committee election (Traffic Management Association of Australia, Scheduled Election E2025/144 - Stage 2) are available for members to see and download.

• Election Notice
• Nomination Form
• Absentee Voting Application Form
  

Kind regards
TMAA

Dear Members of the TMAA Community

We are pleased to inform you that, following the successful completion of Stage 1 of the E2025/144 election process, all Members of the TMAA Management Committee (National Board) have been reappointed to their respective roles.

The Declaration of Results for the E2025/144 Stage 1 election can be found here, here and here.

Kind regards
TMAA

Dear Members

The Election Notice and Nomination Form for the TMAA Management Committee election (Traffic Management Association of Australia, Scheduled Election E2025/144 - Stage 1a) specific to WA and TAS are available for members to see and download.

Election Notice
Nomination Form

Kind regards
TMAA