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Victoria releases transport tech discussion paper

Feedback wanted on future predictions from government and industry members

 

The Victorian government has released its discussion paper on the future of transport technologies, asking for feedback on the truck, bus, car, plane and boating sectors.

Stating that feedback will help identify challenges and issues within the industry, the government says the Transport Technologies Discussion Paper will shape how it approaches job creation and support growth.

“Victoria has strong industry expertise and talent in the transport technologies sector – we need to harness this to create jobs and growth,” Victorian industry minister Lily D’Ambrosio says.

“I encourage Victorians to have their say and help shape how we capitalise on the opportunities and tackle the challenges in the transport technology sector.”

While it says industry groups, employees, businesses, and government bodies have already been consulted, the Victorian government has opened for feedback from the rest of the community until January 22.

The discussion paper says the industry is starting from a “high base”, with “much talent, know-how, supply chain and process knowledge and international connectivity”, but “Victoria’s transport equipment sector must evolve to prosper or face decline.”

According to the paper, the main opportunities and challenges that the industry is facing are:

  • The effects of scale: high-value manufactured products can offset the effects of small scale production
  • Strengthening the industry through collaboration, innovation and diversification: fostering relationships can
  • support business growth
  • Implementing best practices: boosting productivity through supply chain management and lean manufacturing
  • Harmonise standards and regulation: overcoming technical and regulatory impediments
  • Industry workforce skills and training: capitalising on Victoria’s world-class educational and training system
  • State procurement as a catalyst: government stimulus through investment in public transport.

On the heavy vehicle industry, the discussion paper highlights Iveco and Kenworth’s position in the state, stating that almost 60 per cent of Australian-made trucks are built in Victoria.

In terms of future opportunities, the paper says the “government is exploring the viability of strengthening local capabilities in the design and manufacture of special purpose vehicles such as ambulances and fire trucks.”

Truck -Sales

 

On buses, the government says only one of nine Australian bus manufacturers reside in Victoria, and while the number of Victorian-built buses rose by 24 per cent in 2014, it would like to grab more than its current 16 per cent national market share.

On rail, the government says it is pleased by the Rolling Stock Strategy: Trains, Trams, Jobs 2015-2025 industry blueprint.

“The blueprint is already encouraging new investment, evidenced by Downer Rail’s decision to develop the Newport rail workshops to compete for new Victorian and Australian rail opportunities,” it says.

However, it says it will continue to build on changes to the Victorian Industry Participation Policy, setting local content targets.

The government also highlighted its concern on the aging industry workforce.

“The Victorian government is concerned about the sector having the skills and capabilities to thrive in the 21st century,” the paper says.

“Victoria’s industrial workforce is ageing and youth are under-employed.”

“Closer ties between industry and education providers will help build a mutual understanding of skills and competencies required to propel local industry to an advanced manufacturing environment.”

The discussion paper is available here, featuring the same 18 questions for consideration as the document released by the shadow minister for roads and infrastructure Ryan Smith a fortnight ago.

 

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