A collaboration between the United States and Australia has been announced to help drive and strengthen the next generation of transport infrastructure in Australia.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester announced the agreement following discussions with the United States Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx, highlighting the continuation of the strong bilateral relationship.
“This agreement with the United States will provide a mutually beneficial knowledge base for delivering 21st Century transport infrastructure solutions as technology driven cities and regions become a reality,” Mr Chester said.
“We are already seeing the results of this cooperation. Today we discussed a range of issues, including our use of public private partnerships to deliver major projects, leveraging private sector investment in infrastructure and best practice in project development, as well as the use of intelligent transport systems in congested cities.
“Australia was also the first country in the world to regulate drones and Secretary Foxx was eager to learn more about how the Australian system works. Fruitful discussions such as these will pay future dividends for citizens of both countries.”
Mr Chester said there would be more opportunities to meet with international partners in Australia, including in the latter half of 2016.
“Melbourne will host the 23rd Intelligent Transport Systems World Congress from 10 to 14 October 2016,” Mr Chester said.
This is the world’s most important forum for discussing technology-based solutions to some of the most challenging infrastructure problems of our times.
“It will provide an opportunity for us to share our expertise in areas such as smart cities, while also meeting with some of the best infrastructure and transport minds in the world.
“I am delighted that we have reached agreement on this Memorandum of Cooperation with the United States, and I am looking forward to ongoing engagement with the United States on these important issues.”
