2023 Conference wrap up

November 2023

Day 1 – MCG 

Transport Modelling Workshop and Connected Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS) Workshop 

Kicking off the first day of the national conference were the Transport Modelling Workshop and the inaugural Connected Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS) Workshops held at the iconic MCG. The Transport Modelling Workshop began the day in the MCC Dining Room hearing from international keynote speaker Bill Allen who shared highlights and key lessons from his 40 plus years of experience across all areas of travel modelling. 

The transport modelling delegates undertook a live vote to determine the “National Issues of Significance” revealing that transport modellers are concerned most about Land Use Forecasting. A lively discussion between panellists Graham Currie, Elena Golovenko and Tim Bryant – with plenty of crowd input – was a highly interactive way to conclude the modelling workshop program. 

Over in the MCC Long Room, CIT-S Workshop delegates heard from speakers and panellists who discussed the problems C-ITS can address, including success stories. Delegates then formed smaller working groups to create, and playback, use cases that applied CIT-S thinking to the current problems facing our local environment. 

Record delegate numbers on day one also provided the backdrop for plenty of animated networking interactions throughout the day.  

Day 2 – Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre 

After the Welcome to Country, opening plenary, and morning keynote addresses, delegates separated to attend their chosen breakout sessions, which included:  

• Pathways to Future Communities, which included a presentation on ways to integrate Planning with Country and linking outcomes and benefits for Aboriginal communities. 
• A Brighter, Cleaner Future, with discussions about decarbonising transport and creating a carbon neutral, ecologically restored and climate resistant Metro in Western Sydney Airport.  
• Understanding Equitable Transport, which looked at gender issues in public transport and reducing transport disadvantage in rural areas. 

Day 3 – Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre 

One of the highlights of the final day was the standing-room only Young Professionals v Industry Experts Debate, with the topic of ‘Private cars will always be king in Australia’. 

In the light-hearted debate, Jessica Tong, Will Finlay and Zoe O’Malley took on keynote speakers Bill Allen and Ingrid Burkett as well as Laura Procter, a SMEC Team Leader.  

The debate result was decided via audience applause, given the light-hearted and fun nature of the session.  

The Young Professionals ‘won’ the debate as the audience cheered the loudest for them at the end, although this result was never really in doubt given that the Experts needed to argue ‘for’ private cars. 

Breakout sessions on Day 3 included:  

• Modernising Australia's approach to car ownership, which looked at how dwelling types influenced car ownership. 
• The importance of micro mobility in a sustainable future, with several presentations discussed the increasing use of e-scooters and e-bikes. 
• Redefining road networks, with a presentation outlining the Smarter Roads investment by the Victorian Government to reduce road delays, respond to changed traffic patterns post-Covid, and better manage road congestion in response to population growth. 

Delegates can view the presentations.