Freight Week 2011 rolled into its second day today and what a bumper day it was. Room 1 hosted the Technology Session, with over 150 delegates, Room 2 hosted the Waterfront Session with over 200 delegates and Room 3 hosted the VACC Service and Repair session with another 200 delegates.
There was certainly no shortage of heated discussion in two of the rooms. Below are some of the highlights from the sessions.
Technology Session
We are entering the technology age at a rapid pace, delegates to Technology Day were told today. Speakers in the early sessions were Anthony Germanchev, Team Leader, Heavy Vehicles at ARRB Group; Dean Zabrieszach, Director Road User Services at VicRoads; and Gavin Hill, from Transport Certification Australia (TCA).
Anthony summarised the results of the latest technology survey undertaken by the VTA. Dean’s presentation was a comprehensive overview of present and emerging technologies in Australia and overseas from a Government perspective and Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) Australia has oversight of these technologies. Gavin spoke about TCA and indicated that the heavy vehicle industry was a leader in the development of technology, and it could be argued that governments were comparatively slow in responding.
Privacy is a key challenge with technology as is security of information. Overall, the key is the use of a single device within a vehicle to control future technologies.
Waterfront Session
The Waterfront Session presented leaders in the port community who explained their current directions and plans for the future. Minister for Ports, the Hon. Dr. Denis Napthine opened the session. He explained the decision to revoke the planned Freight Infrastructure charge and discussed the statistics that TEU capacity is expected to double in the next nine years. The need for Intermodal Ports was vigorously discussed in the morning session.
Vehicle Service and Repair:
This session was one of the biggest gatherings of representatives of the many Australian Automotive Industry sectors under one roof.
Deputy Leader of the Victorian Liberal Party and Minister for Small Business, Louise Asher, officially opened the Conference which was attended by more than 200 automotive industry delegates.
“Today we discuss the issue of access to technical, diagnostic, service and repair information because if we do not do so now, it could have serious consequences for Australian motorists and business owners in the future,” VACC Executive Director, David Purchase, said.
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