The National Future Transport Summit, which was held 17-18 September in Brisbane, saw collaboration among 170 delegates as they discussed maximising transport outcomes for safety, sustainability and productivity.
The Centre for Connected and Automated Transport (CCAT) lead the Summit Consortium, involving 100 organisations that contributed to the Summit’s development and its past two years of recommendations.
“For the first time, we have brought together all parts of this broad ecosystem to not just discuss challenges, but to collectively endorse clear, actionable recommendations that can guide Australia forward,” said CCAT Executive Director, Brook Hall.
“By aligning stakeholders around a shared vision, Australia can seize the opportunity to lead in future mobility.”
Delegates voted on 14 different proposed recommendations, with all of them passed at an average of 97 per cent support.
Recommendations included prioritising safety opportunities of connected and automated technology, and the development of a national future transport plan with clear milestones for automated transport and freight interoperability.
An emphasis to recognise productivity potential was also discussed to support home-grown industry and market development, including a need for national coordination and strategic support.
ABC TV Host, David Spears, moderated both days, with keynotes coming from the Director General of the Department of Transport, Sally Stannard and Uber’s Global Head of Automated Policy Rich Willder, on day two.
The findings from the Summit were compiled into a National Future Transport Recommendations Report which was delivered to all levels of government.
In the report national imperatives for action expressed runaway transport demand, critical worker shortages and a demand for public funds for community service areas.
Meanwhile, in other news, a $50 million fund to support aspiring apprentices wanting to work in clean energy is yet to be paid out.
