The first theme-based consultation workshop for the National Future Transport Summit was held on 18 June, focusing on the critical themes of Infrastructure and Productivity.

Brook Hall, Executive Director of the Centre for Connected and Automated Transport (CCAT) opened the session by welcoming attendees and providing a brief overview of the Summit initiative, which is being convened by a consortium of almost 100 organisations.

The workshop featured expert insights from consortium members Sam Gray, Strategic Innovation at Transurban, Amit Trivedi, Director (Safety Technology Projects) at the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads and Isobel Pastor, Director of Policy and Innovation at the Suburban Rail Loop Authority(and former head of the UK Government’s Centre for Connected and Automated Vehicles). These experts shared their perspectives on the infrastructure and productivity challenges and opportunities for connected and automated transport.

Attendees discussed the evolving infrastructure requirements for connected and automated transport, the role of digital infrastructure, and how Australia can best plan, invest and govern to maximise national productivity outcomes.

Key takeaways included:

• The need to assess the balance between physical and digital infrastructure investments.
• Recognition that productivity benefits from connected and automated transport extend beyond transport efficiency, touching freight, workforce participation and urban planning.
• Support for flexible, standards-informed approaches to infrastructure that enable innovation while maintaining safety and equity.
 

Attendees were encouraged to contribute formal submissions to the Summit process, noting that the consultation period is now open and will close on 25July 2025. Submissions can respond to one or more of the five Summit themes and will directly inform the recommendations that will be debated and finalised at the Summit in Brisbane on 17-18 September.

Three additional themed workshops will be held over the coming weeks on Safety, Sustainability and Social Legitimacy, each featuring expert contributors and interactive discussions.

Submissions are due via the Summit website, where the full discussion paper and consultation materials are available. Participants are encouraged to provide concise submissions (around 2 pages or 1000 words), though longer pieces will be accepted if accompanied by a summary.

The Infrastructure and Productivity consultation workshop concluded with a call to action: “Help shape the future by contributing your insights, solutions and priorities for connected and automated transport in Australia”

You can view the recording of the Workshop here:

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