Traffic management newsletter - November 2026

Published 10 November 2026

1 February 2027 is fast approaching: are your workers ready?

The transition period for workers holding previous South Australian Workzone Traffic Management (WZTM) qualifications will end on 1 February 2027.

Previous WZTM qualifications will no longer be recognised for temporary traffic management roles in South Australia.

Now is the time to complete training and make sure your qualifications align with the national training network.

Check card expiry dates now

Under the rules set by the Department of Infrastructure and Transport, WZTM qualifications are recognised only until:

• the original card expiry date
• 3 years from the card issue date
• 1 February 2027.

Some cards may expire earlier so check every card now.

Plan ahead to avoid delays

As the 1 February 2027 deadline approaches, demand for training and assessment is expected to increase.

Many training providers operate reduced schedules over the Christmas and New Year period, and course availability may become limited.

Workers transitioning to the new qualification framework may also need to complete workplace-based assessment requirements, which can take additional time to arrange.

Employers are encouraged to:

• check workers' current card expiry dates
• identify workers who need transition training
• contact an approved training provider
• schedule training before the Christmas shutdown period where possible.

Remember that there are only 10 approved providers in South Australia, with limited qualified trainers and maximum student numbers in each class. Some providers are Victorian based, and those trainers may not be available for South Australian classes as the demand for classes in Victoria will also be increased during this period.

For new TC/TMI candidates the squeeze is even tighter. Finishing the theory isn't enough - they also need to complete their 20-hour workplace placement, and the traffic management companies that host placements are busy (or shut down) over the same period.

Starting the theory late means there's a real risk the placement won't be finished by 1 February 2027.

If you miss the deadline

No extensions will be given on old qualifications.

Workers holding previous WZTM cards will no longer be recognised as qualified to perform these roles on the road and road related area work sites.

For many companies, the flow-on effects will have an immediate impact.

• Project delays and penalties - if qualifications aren't current, the works can't start, no matter how ready everything else is. Missed milestones can also mean delay costs, liquidated damages and unhappy clients.
• Lost work and tenders - South Australian councils, principal contractors and utility providers expect current, Austroads-compliant qualifications. Any subcontractor who can't supply qualified staff risks being overlooked.
• Higher labour costs - filling gaps with labour-hire traffic control in South Australia at short notice usually comes at a premium cost.
• Safety and compliance exposure - putting unqualified people near live traffic puts workers and the public at risk, and leaves the company exposed if something goes wrong.

Learn more about the National Training Framework for Temporary Traffic Management.