The Victorian Government has asked Infrastructure Victoria to provide advice on what infrastructure might be required to support the introduction of automated and zero emission vehicles in the state.
The request was made by the Special Minister of State to Infrastructure Victoria, an independent statutory authority created to provide expert advice on infrastructure matters.
Infrastructure Victoria Chief Executive Officer, Michel Masson, said the advice will build on the work undertaken to develop the 30-year infrastructure strategy.
“In line with our advisory role, Government has asked us to provide this important advice,” Mr Masson said.
“Our 30-year infrastructure strategy identified autonomous vehicles as being one of the greatest uncertainties for the transport system.
“We are pleased to be able to build on our existing work to look more deeply into this transformative field.”
Detailed terms of reference provide a framework for the advice, with two key delivery phases.
The first phase will set out the future scenarios that will form the basis of the infrastructure advice, and set out the potential risks and benefits of the scenarios. This work is due to be delivered in late April 2018.
The second phase will be a detailed report to the Government on the potential infrastructure requirements for a selection of scenarios. The report will include an analysis of the current situation, recommend delivery pathways, and identify key decision or trigger points for the infrastructure. This is due in October 2018.
Mr Masson said industry and stakeholder engagement will be critical in developing the advice.
“We will consult broadly, consistent with our values of collaboration and transparency, and our approach to infrastructure planning overall,” Mr Masson said.
“We will provide updates in the coming months on ways to get involved in our consultation.”
