Automated vehicles, drones and working towards a zero-emission transport network are in the sights of the Palaszczuk Government as part of its new 30-year plan for transport in the sunshine state.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said consultation was open for the draft Queensland Transport Strategy, which outlines how Queensland will embrace new and emerging technologies to drive the transport sector and create jobs.
"The Palaszczuk Government is delivering the transport infrastructure Queenslanders need now and into the future, from the $5.4 billion Cross River Rail to record investment in the Bruce Highway," Mr Bailey said.
"But we also need to look at how we can maximise the benefits of existing and emerging technology trends like hydrogen and other zero-emission vehicles to give Queenslanders the best possible transport system as well as drive jobs growth in an emerging industry. That is why we're delivering on our election commitment to develop the forward-thinking Queensland Transport Strategy.
"Queensland is already home to the world's longest electric vehicle super highway as well as thriving EV-based businesses like Tritium who employ more than 250 Queenslanders, and this strategy will look at how we can build on that success, and in-line with our Advancing Queensland Priorities, create jobs in a strong economy.
"New commercial and manufacturing opportunities are emerging around these transport technologies, offering exciting opportunities for Queensland's businesses and entrepreneurs to get involved.
"The Palaszczuk Government has helped to create almost 185,000 jobs since 2015. The draft transport strategy will help outline how we can capitalise on new opportunities to benefit Queensland jobs and businesses.
"Every day more than four million Queenslanders use some form of transport to travel from A to B. With projections showing that number will grow by 58 per cent over the next 30 years, the draft transport strategy will provide a long-term direction for how use technology to meet the needs of all Queenslanders.
"Transport is vital to Queenslanders, jobs, our economy and regional prosperity. And what we know is that new technologies like automated electric vehicles, drones and integrated transport services will make travel faster, safer and more convenient.
"The changes we make to the transport system and the technologies we adopt will improve our lifestyles and our productivity in the long run.
"We're asking Queenslanders to have their say about our vision to deliver strong economic, social and environmental benefits for the future of our state."
Consultation on the draft strategy is open until May 24, with the strategy to be finalised later this year.
To view the draft strategy and have your say visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au/QueenslandTransportStrategy
