Government to provide $55 million over 10 years to explore evolving vehicle technologies
The Australian Logistics Council (ALC) has welcomed the government’s acceptance of intelligent transport systems (ITS) industry’s bid to develop a new co-operative research centre (CRC).
Industry and innovation minister Arthur Sinodinos announced the government’s commitment to role out $55 million over 10 years to explore digital and evolving vehicle technologies to improve traffic movement.
The government funding will be supported by up to $178.8 million “in cash and kind” from member contributions.
The intelligent mobility and vehicle evolution (iMOVE) CRC’s research will help authorities make plans to reduce congestion, fuel use and emissions and improve transport productivity and competitiveness.
“I’m delighted that the new CRCs selected in this 18th funding round will involve interdisciplinary researchers working with industry to explore new processes, including digital technologies, to deliver improvements in strategic industry sectors,” Sinodinos says.
ALC MD Michael Kilgariff says it is a “significant” move for the logistics sector.
“There is no doubt that rapidly evolving technology will change the way that we transport goods in the future,” Kilgariff says.
Initiatives such as the iMove CRC will be crucial in ensuring we can effectively harness today’s intellectual capital and industry experience to design sustainable transport systems for tomorrow.
“This announcement builds on the Federal Government’s agreement last year to develop a National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy, which will be absolutely critical in enhancing the productivity and efficiency of Australia’s freight and supply infrastructure.”
Kilgariff says the logistics council will work closely with the new iMOVE CRC that “will undoubtedly deliver significant improvements to the efficiency, productivity and safety of Australia’s freight transport systems.
ALC chairman Ian Murray was elected to chair iMOVE’s CRC last year.
Kilgariff also notes that the upcoming ALC Forum will allow the government and industry members to discuss the contents of Australia’s National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy.
“The recommendations from ALC Forum 2017 will form the basis of ALC advocacy on the development and implementation of the Strategy,” he says.