Melbourne, 7 March 2017 – Australia’s position as a global leader in transport technology just got stronger.

The Federal Government has today awarded iMOVE CRC, a new intelligent transport cooperative research centre, a $55 million grant for a ten year research and development project.

The funding was announced by Senator Arthur Sinodinos, Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, following an 18 month consultation and bidding process.

ITS Australia, the peak national body for the intelligent transport systems (ITS) industry and host of last year’s hugely influential ITS World Congress, is one of 46 iMOVE CRC consortium members.

Just last week, ITS Australia released an in-depth review of the Australian ITS industry, identifying short, medium and long term opportunities to make journeys safer, more efficient and sustainable. The Smart Transport for Australia Report features input from local and international thought-leaders and has a specific focus on key industry themes and Australian considerations.

ITS Australia CEO, Susan Harris says the iMOVE CRC announcement highlights Australia’s desire to enhance technology to improve the liveability of our cities and communities.

“Australia is a global leader in transport technology and the local industry is further strengthened by the Federal Government’s support for the research centre.

It is important to keep the impetus going from the 23rd World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems and already in 2017 we have seen a significant Report identifying opportunities for governments, business, researchers and start-ups. Now the establishment of a national research and development centre will continue the momentum to support the delivery of transformative transport for Australia.

“Australia has the collective skills and experience to continue to drive innovation and initiatives to improve connectivity and mobility,” Ms Harris said.

More than 11,500 delegates from over 70 countries attended the 2016 ITS World Congress in Melbourne. It was the largest international association congress held in Australia last year and benefited the economy by $25 million.

The iMOVE CRC consortium members include industry, state road authorities, federal and state government departments and industry associations.

Bid leader, Ian Christensen says the centre is ready to tackle the task of improving Australia’s transport system by harnessing skills and technology.

“Australia has many unique qualities and our transport system is central to industry, agriculture, business and lifestyle choices.

Efficiency of movement for people and goods is key to productivity and prosperity and the digital revolution creates opportunities to utilise big data analytics and rapidly advancing technology to address complex public, private and freight transport.

“We are confident that with the support of the Federal Government, consortium partners and industry, iMOVE CRC will deliver world class research for the benefit of all transport users,” Mr Christensen said.

For more on the iMOVE CRC program, visit imovecrc.com

To read Smart Transport for Australia, visit www.its-australia.com.au

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For interviews and further information:

Murray Collins Communications Manager +61 3 9646 6466 +61 422 073 394 murray.collins@its-australia.com.au

Twitter: @ITS_Australia LinkedIn: ITS Australia

About ITS Australia

Intelligent Transport Systems Australia (ITS Australia) promotes the development and deployment of advanced technologies to deliver safer, more efficient and environmentally sustainable transport across all public and private modes – air, sea, road and rail. Established in 1992, ITS Australia advocates the application of communication, data processing and electronic technologies for in-vehicle, vehicle-to-vehicle, vehicle-to-infrastructure and mode-to-mode systems to increase transport safety and sustainability, reduce congestion, and improve the performance and competitiveness of Australia’s networks. ITS Australia is an independent not-for-profit incorporated membership organisation representing ITS suppliers, government authorities, academia and transport businesses and users. Affiliated with peak ITS organisations around the world, ITS Australia is a major international contributor to the development of the industry and host of the 2001 and 2016 ITS World Congress

Visit: www.its-australia.com.au