Municipal Works Australia’s 2026 Annual Report reflects a year of substantial membership growth, practical learning opportunities and important steps towards our next stage of development.
Covering the year ended 30 June 2026, the report shows how MWA is connecting more people across Australia and building the capacity to support the municipal works profession into the future.
A growing national community
Local government membership increased by 759 members to 2,174—a growth of almost 54%. Our members now represent 347 councils and other local government organisations, with growth recorded in every state represented in our membership.
This growth brings more experience and perspectives into the MWA network. From plant operators, maintenance crews and supervisors to engineers, asset managers and senior leaders, our membership connects the people who plan municipal services with those who deliver them every day.
For members, that creates more opportunities to exchange ideas, learn from other councils and develop professional relationships beyond their own workplace. Growth outside Victoria also strengthens our ability to understand and respond to the needs of a national profession.
Stronger connections between councils and industry
Corporate membership reached 141 organisations, with 22 organisations joining during the year.
These relationships connect municipal works teams with suppliers, contractors, training providers and technical specialists across the sector. They create opportunities to discuss operational challenges directly with industry, explore new solutions and share feedback about what councils need.
Our corporate members also help make MWA’s events and professional development activities possible through their participation, sponsorship and ongoing support.
Practical learning and engagement throughout the year
MWA recorded more than 2,574 attendances across conferences, field days, webinars, site tours, training and networking activities.
The 2026 Bendigo National Municipal Works & Engineering Conference attracted more than 600 local government attendees and 100 exhibitors, bringing together people, equipment, technology and ideas from across the sector.
Regional field days and activities recorded 511 attendances, while 139 participants took part in three site tours exploring manufacturing, recycling and infrastructure innovations.
These activities give members opportunities to see how equipment and processes work, ask questions of specialists and compare approaches with colleagues. That practical exchange can help inform decisions about service delivery, maintenance, safety and the use of council resources.
Making professional development more accessible
Six webinars recorded 1,222 attendances, addressing topics including traffic management, asset management, road safety, disaster waste, water networks and workforce wellbeing.
Online learning helps members access relevant expertise without the travel costs and time away from work associated with attending an event in person. This is particularly valuable for rural and regional councils, where distance, small teams and limited budgets can make professional development harder to access.
MWA also supported nine travel award recipients from Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania. These awards help municipal works professionals broaden their experience, establish industry connections and bring knowledge back to their workplaces.
Taking MWA directly to councils
Three promotional tours visited 94 councils, generating 105 council engagements across Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales and South Australia.
Visiting councils helps MWA build relationships with operational teams and understand their priorities firsthand. It also introduces staff to opportunities they may otherwise miss, helping extend participation beyond those already actively involved in the Association.
A sound financial foundation
Total revenue increased by 9% to $935,766, and MWA recorded an annual surplus of $24,632. At year-end, the Association held $454,265 in cash and cash equivalents and $450,296 in net assets.
The surplus was lower than the previous year as expenditure increased to support a larger national program, administration and organisational capacity. MWA nevertheless finished the year with increased cash reserves and net assets.
For members, a sound financial position supports continuity of services and provides capacity to invest in future initiatives. The results also reinforce the need to balance expansion with careful cost management and develop income sources beyond the annual conference.
A clear direction for the future
The completion of MWA’s 2026 Strategic Plan established five interconnected priorities: financial sustainability, membership engagement, workforce capability, industry partnerships, and community and sector development.
The plan provides a framework for turning growth into lasting member value. Priorities include expanding training and professional development, establishing mentoring as a core member benefit, building peer networks and increasing support for rural and regional councils.
MWA also transitioned to a company limited by guarantee on 16 April 2026, marking an important milestone in the organisation’s governance and national development.
The next stage is to translate these foundations into services that members can access throughout the year, while maintaining the practical connections that have always been central to MWA.
Thank you to our members, corporate partners, sponsors, exhibitors, host councils, volunteers, Board and MWA team. Your contributions have helped build a stronger network for the people responsible for maintaining the infrastructure and services our communities rely on every day.
Read MWA’s 2026 Annual Report to explore the year’s achievements and the priorities guiding our future.