The NSW bus industry will converge at Mudgee in less than a week for this year's BusNSW Regional Conference
October
2, 2012
Bus operators and industry suppliers are set to converge at Mudgee in less than a week for the 2012 BusNSW Regional Conference.
BusNSW Executive Director
Darryl Mellish says the conference, to be held at the Parklands Resort October 5-6, will focus on current industry concerns, including the government’s decision to tender eight metropolitan contract regions.
“The conference theme, Securing Community Investments, reflects the need for operators to have secured contracts which allow for investments that benefit the community,” Mellish says.
The conference will kick off with an industry report, including commentary on a large number of industry reforms and reviews.
“BusNSW will concentrate on providing direction on potential changes and challenges to the rural and regional sector of the industry, based on both metropolitan, and rural and regional experiences,” Mellish says.
Mellish
says Lismore MP Thomas George will deliver the government address.
“Mr George has a good understanding of the important role regional and rural bus operators play in their local community and the importance of secure and sustainable contracts,” Mellish says.
Warrnambool Bus Managing Director Stephen Lucas will present on Improving Personal Mobility Opportunities in Regional Areas, based on a detailed case study of Warrnambool in regional Victoria.
Before lunch delegates will be entertained by popular sporting television personality Ken Sutcliffe, who hails from Mudgee and recently covered the London Olympics and NRL finals series for Channel 9.
Rural and regional bus service contract holders will receive direction from TfNSW Bus and Ferry Services Contracts Principal Manager Craig Dunn on the new contract audit regime.
RMS Customer and Compliance Director Peter Wells will speak on Heavy Vehicle Inspection and Compliance, before the conference concludes with an interactive industry forum featuring representatives from BusNSW, Transport for NSW and RMS.
Mellish says current bus reform and operational issues will be discussed and delegates will have an opportunity to question panel members from the floor.
“The Conference allows delegates to gain a better understanding of recent Government reforms and issues impacting on the bus and coach industry,” Mellish says.
Registrations for the conference close tomorrow.