April has been a significant month for CCAT, with the release of our Strategic Plan for the National Future Transport Summit which will be held in 2025. The Summit will be a collaborative venture delivered by government and industry to jointly agree how we maximise the benefits of connected and automated technologies across the transport system. We were thrilled with the turnout for our briefing on the Summit's Strategic Plan, as well as the response of the many who expressed their support afterwards. I urge you to join with CCAT as we pursue this important initiative.
This month I was also pleased to speak at the Trucking Australia conference in Canberra about the development of automated trucks and the necessary preparations for their deployment. This use case is emerging as a frontrunner in the development of automated vehicles, and it was great to see the interest from attendees about the implications for the freight industry in Australia.
There are a number of important initiatives currently being launched in the sector, including new phases of C-ITS trials, a public consultation on regulation for automated vehicles, and research on public attitudes to new transport technologies. These initiatives show the diversity of preparations for the deployment of connected and automated technologies in our transport system, and the dedication to successful and safe deployment that is being demonstrated across the transport sector.
Rahila David
Executive Director, CCAT
CCAT News
National Future Transport Summit - Strategic Plan
CCAT has released its Strategic Plan for the National Future Transport Summit. Amongst other things, the Strategic Plan outlines the case for the Summit, the Summit’s objectives and themes, and its unique delivery approach centred on government and industry cooperation.
You can read the Strategic Plan as well as a short Stakeholder Prospectus at the link below. We also encourage you to register your interest in being part of the Summit!
Nearly 90 stakeholders convened online on 16 April for a briefing held by CCAT to hear more about the Summit and the Strategic Plan. During the session, CCAT Chair Ian Webb emphasised the need for a cohesive national implementation plan for connected and automated technologies across multiple sectors. Executive Director Rahila David outlined the Strategic Plan for the Summit and encouraged stakeholders to engage in planning and policy development efforts.
The significant C-ITS national harmonisation and pre-deployment research project was officially launched this month. This project will fit advanced sensing and communication capability at 30 intersections along five strategic corridors within the University of Melbourne’s Australian Integrated Multimodal Ecosystem testbed in Melbourne, Victoria. This project aims to provide a robust evidence base to support the development of a harmonised national approach to C-ITS deployment in all mainland states and the Commonwealth government.
You can read more about the project on the iMove website at the link below. We were pleased to see CCAT’s ‘Transport in Transition’ report referenced in the project description, which highlighted the importance of government and industry collaboration in the deployment of C-ITS.
NTC seeking feedback on new laws for automated vehicles
The National Transport Commission has just released its consultation on automated vehicle safety laws, in conjunction with the Commonwealth Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts. The consultation's aim is to gather public feedback on proposed regulatory frameworks, covering aspects such as safety during modifications, repairs and remote operation of automated vehicles.
Researchers at Edith Cowan University are seeking respondents to a survey on Vehicle Telemetry Systems and Sustainability. This research will explore relationships between onboard road vehicle technology and its implementation by consumers, helping to build a greater understanding of how consumers perceive and engage with vehicle technology and for what purpose. This research is supported by an Australian Government Research Training Program and the Cooperative Research Centres program scholarship, and is funded by iMove.
Supporting new technologies and innovations for Australian grain growers.
Ag-tech entrepreneurs and startups are invited to apply for the ‘Grains Challenge’, run by the Grains Research and Development Corporation in partnership with Cicada Innovations. This Program aims to find solutions to key challenges such as productivity, yield, efficiencies, costs, and market volatility through the development of new technologies and innovations like robotic automation and artificial intelligence.
First fully automated port terminal in South Korea
Busan’s New Port in South Korea has marked a significant milestone with the opening of the country’s first fully automated terminal. Formally opened by President Yoon on 5 April, the terminal includes remotely controlled ship-to-shore cranes manufactured domestically. This automation will enhance productivity by up to 20 per cent compared to conventional ports, while simultaneously mitigating safety risks.
China has tested its new high-speed magnetic-levitation (maglev) train, with speeds reaching over 600 km/hr. According to China's state run Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation, the maglev train travelled successfully through a 2-kilometre low-vacuum tube for the first time.
We continue to engage with experts and stakeholders interested in facilitating the transition to connected and automated transport in Australia and New Zealand. If you would like to know more about CCAT, including information on how to join, you can find further details on our website or email us at info@ccat.org.au to arrange a meeting.
