Armidale Regional Council (ARC) says it is delivering the increased service levels promised under its Special Rate Variation (SRV), with major reinvestment now being directed into frontline transport and maintenance services across the region.
As part of the SRV-funded service uplift, council is establishing 13 new full-time positions to expand its internal works capacity. Council says the new roles will strengthen its ability to deliver essential maintenance programs more efficiently.
The positions will support the delivery of key preventative maintenance programs in the 2026–27 financial year.
“While the program budgets themselves are not increasing, the SRV is enabling a fundamental shift in how these works are delivered – moving from a fully outsourced model to a predominantly in-house workforce,” ARC Mayor Sam Coupland said.
“This transition strengthens council’s ability to plan, prioritise and respond to maintenance needs more efficiently.”
Coupland said the change would deliver practical benefits for the region.
“By bringing more of this work in house, we’re building long-term capability, improving responsiveness and ensuring more of council’s expenditure stays within the local community,” he said.
“These new roles are a direct result of SRV funding and demonstrate our commitment to reinvesting additional revenue into the services residents rely on.”
Historically, most concrete works and rural drainage works have been outsourced, while maintenance grading has been constrained by shared plant requirements with renewal works.
Council says new crews, along with additional plant and equipment funded through the SRV, will help avoid lengthy procurement timeframes and reduce exposure to contractor scheduling delays. The changes are expected to improve coordination of works, increase response times and improve the overall condition of the network.
The increased internal capacity is also expected to deliver:
• faster response times for maintenance issues
• greater control over quality and scheduling
• more consistent, program-driven renewal works
• increased local employment and economic benefit
“These are secure, full-time jobs that offer the chance to contribute directly to the region’s road network and community wellbeing,” Coupland said.
“We’re looking for people who want to build a career with council and be part of delivering the improved service levels our community expects.”
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