Report on the National Transport Commission Workshop
On Wednesday August 31, NCOSS attended a workshop on The Future of Transport in Australia. Hosted by the National Transport Commission (NTC) and the Institute for Sustainable Futures, the workshop was designed to inform the NTC’s Smart Transport for a Growing Nation project.

The first part of the workshop focused on developing a shared vision for a desired transport future.

Although the futures imagined by the individuals and groups attending the workshop differed in their finer details, they all had common attributes. These included more flexible and sustainable transport options – with public transport featuring as a more feasible, desirable choice for a greater proportion of the population. There was also a focus on reducing our requirements to travel; through the localisation of services, improvements in technology, and more flexible working arrangements.

The organisations attending the workshop represented a broad range of interests. They included State and Commonwealth transport and infrastructure agencies, the Australasian Railway Association, the Automobile Association, the Institute for Sensible Transport, consultants, academics and many others.

Yet in spite of this diversity, there was a remarkable level of agreement around some of the actions we should be taking in order to reach any one of our desired transport futures. Increased investment in public transport was seen as both important and urgent; as a higher priority than roads funding in almost every circumstance. Adjusting taxes and fees to better reflect the true cost – including social and environmental costs – associated with different modes of travel was also considered to be a crucial step.

It was well understood, however, that there are significant political barriers to carrying out these actions – overcoming these is a challenge that will require strong, forward-looking leadership. Sensitivity and foresight will also be required to ensure that while transitioning to a more sustainable transport future, we protect disadvantaged households and groups from additional hardship.

NCOSS looks forward to reading the project’s final report, and to supporting the NTC and other stakeholders as they work to address current and future transport challenges.