CCAT has had a busy August, with a number of stakeholder engagements and ongoing preparations for the National Future Transport Summit.
Myself and CCAT’s Chair, Ian Webb, have been getting around the country this month for meetings with key national associations, councils, technology providers and other organisations that are advancing the testing and deployment of new technologies in transport and primary industries. These engagements show the importance of these technologies to safety and productivity outcomes in Australia, and provide important opportunities to explore areas for sector collaboration to advance the technology transition.
CCAT’s Senior Leader - Policy and Engagement, Bec Kennedy, had the opportunity to attend ITS Australia’s National Summit in Sydney earlier in the month. With the theme of safe, sustainable and inclusive transport for vibrant communities, the Summit was a great opportunity to participate in discussions about the emerging capabilities of transport technologies.
The Steering Committee for the National Future Transport Summit met again this month and continues to refine its planning for the Summit’s delivery. Members discussed stakeholder engagement approaches, the Summit’s themes, research frameworks and risk management amongst other items. We are pleased to have such a committed and collaborative group of leaders from across the transport sector working towards the Summit’s goal of maximising the opportunities presented by connected and automated transport. 
There is still time to register for our Brisbane stakeholder event on 3 September on use cases for automated vehicles in Australia. For those in Queensland, I encourage you to register to attend – details are below. 
Rahila David
Executive Director, CCAT
CCAT News
Brisbane stakeholder event: Use cases for automated vehicles in Australia
4-6pm Tuesday 3 September
There is still time to register for our next stakeholder event in Brisbane on Tuesday 3 September.
This session will showcase experts from industry, government and academia discussing a range of use cases for automated vehicles in Australia, highlighting the potential future applications of this technology and the imperatives behind the technology’s development.
Alongside insights from our experts and a dynamic panel discussion, this event will include time for attendees to network with other leaders across the transport sector.
We are grateful for the support of the ARC Training Centre for Automated Vehicles in Rural and Remote Regions for this event.
We are pleased to welcome Airservices Australia as a Member of CCAT. Airservices Australia is a government-owned organisation responsible for the safe and efficient management of Australia's skies and the provision of aviation rescue firefighting services at Australia's busiest airports. Their engagement with CCAT reflects the opportunities for connected and automated transport technologies to support the long-term growth of the aviation industry.
NSW Government expands vehicle testing centre in Cudal
The NSW Government has announced an additional $30 million investment to significantly expand the Future Mobility Testing and Research Centre in Cudal, paving the way for new highway speed and heavy vehicle testing.
Director Future Mobility at Transport for NSW and CCAT Board Member, Evan Walker, said of the announcement: ‘We’re acting on feedback directly from manufacturers, developers, and industry about the kind of facility they need, and addressing a growing community and government need for confidence and assurance in vehicle safety as new technologies emerge.’
The Australian Government has released the Aviation White Paper, which sets a vision for the industry alongside a plan to ensure a safe, competitive, productive and sustainable aviation sector in Australia. Among the 56 initiatives, the paper directs activities under the title ‘enabling new aviation technologies’ which aim to maximise outcomes of the growing aviation technology and manufacturing sector.
National Transport Commission consultation on rail interoperability
The National Transport Commission (NTC) is currently consulting on new national interoperability planning provisions for railway operations. The consultation follows on from the NTC’s work on a National Rail Action Plan to advance interoperability across Australia’s rail system. Submissions close on 4 October 2024.
South Australian startup V2Grid Australia is preparing to unveil the country's first public vehicle-to-grid (V2G) electric vehicle charger next month. The trial site will allow electric vehicle drivers to earn payments by discharging their car's electricity back into the grid, showcasing V2G technology's potential to support the electrical system and provide financial benefits to electric vehicle owners.
Autonomous vehicles are communicating with traffic lights in Sydney as part of an ITS trial led by the University of Sydney and Transport for NSW. The technology aims to enhance road safety by sharing real-time data about hazards and traffic signal changes with both self-driving and manually operated vehicles.
Tribe Technology has shipped its first self-driving RC drill rig from Belfast to Australia, where it will undergo testing with major mining company Fortescue Metals Group. The innovative technology, which can operate without personnel on the drilling pad, aims to significantly improve safety and productivity in the drilling industry.
NEC Australia are partnering with Harden AI to bring technology to Australia to significantly reduce bus lane infringements such as illegal parking and driving. The partnership will combine NEC Australia’s experience in providing technology solutions to transport operators with Hayden AI’s automated bus lane, bus stop, cycle lane, and double-parking enforcement platform.
Uber has partnered with robot food delivery service, Coco, to launch ‘Coco's sidewalk robots’ for Uber Eats deliveries in the US. These emissions-free robots could present a significant opportunity for scalable applications of robot technologies in the delivery and movement of goods.
Los Angeles International Airport has received the final four cars that will be part of its automated people mover train. These cars will join 40 others currently undergoing testing on an elevated guideway. The train will begin 24/7 service in 2026.
Saudi Arabia unveils road code to future-proof infrastructure
The Saudi Roads Authority has introduced a new road code designed to standardise protocols and policies across the transportation sector, with a focus on accommodating self-driving vehicles. The code mandates the installation of smart communication devices along roadways to enable real-time data sharing and safer driving decisions.
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.
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