Bus industry encouraged to attend national infrastructure summit next month
One of the most high-powered think tanks of infrastructure will meet in Sydney next month to discuss issues facing Australian cities.
Professor John Stanley, of the University of Sydney, says infrastructure is a national issue for Australia at the moment so it is important people attend the National Infrastructure and Cities Summit.
He says Australian cities are building reputations as some of the most liveable cities in the world – but more people also cause other problems such as congestion and pollution.
“The challenge of maintaining that liveability status is becoming more difficult.”
University of California Director Institute of Urban and Regional Development Professor Robert Cervero and Singapore’s Ministry of National Development Centre for Liveable Cities Executive Director Professor Khoo Teng Chye will be some of the high profile speakers at the event.
Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet Secretary Ian Watt and Shadow Minister for Infrastructure Transport and Tourism Anthony Albanese will also speak at the summit.
“This probably is going to be the most high-powered grouping [of speakers] ever seen at an infrastructure conference in Australia,” says Stanley.
He says some of the issues up for discussion include how to best fund infrastructure with “strapped for cash” governments, and the value and benefits of improved infrastructure.
There will also best practice international case studies presented and working groups for transport, energy, water, smart cities or social infrastructure.
Stanley says feedback and comments from the audience will be an important part of the summit.
He is urging operators, associations and suppliers to have their say on infrastructure issues facing the country.
“I think it’s really important that the bus industry supports it,” he says.
The Bus Industry Confederation is one of the many partners for the event.
“The BIC is really a leader in terms of transport development in Australia,” he says.
“I think it’s really important that operators and state associations and the industry generally get along and have their voice heard, in terms of getting buses working better in our cities.
“There’s a lot of opportunity to improve public transport and bus services.”
The outcome of the summit will be published in a book by the University of Sydney, and about 350 people are expected to attend.
The summit will be held at Sydney Cricket Ground on March 13 and 14.
Organisers are yet to confirm the attendance of four Australian senior cabinet ministers at the summit.
The summit is being organised by the ADC Forum who are a not-for-profit leadership organisation.