QLD | Transport & Infrastructure Series: Low Emission Mobility

Our Queensland Chapter was pleased to welcome the Hon. Mark Bailey MP, along with a panel of private industry players, for its' Transport & Infrastructure: Low Emission Mobility breakfast. This breakfast event was held on Wednesday 17 May, from 7am to 9am, at the offices of our Corporate Member Holding Redlich​, and was kindly sponsored by our Patron Member Transdev​.

The Minister's speech highlighted the Government's commitment to low-emission mobility via a wide array of initiatives, and the forward-thinking vision considering the planning of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games. One of the main challenges to fulfill the Government's ambition in terms of low-emission mobility remains the decarbonising of electricity generation. The Government is focusing on the grid and associated infrastructure creating a "skeleton" to enable the private sector to fill the gaps. The Minister highlighted the positive impact of private industry players and underlined the necessity for close cooperation.

Following the minister's keynote address, Mark McKenzie, Managing Director of Transdev Queensland, talked about Transdev's role in developing electric or hydrogen zero-emission buses in Europe, New Zealand and Australia. Transdev has committed to reduce by 30% greenhouse gas emissions and to increase by 50% alternative fleet. With already 2,400 Zero Emission buses in operation in 19 different countries, Transdev is aiming to reach 3,000 Zero Emission buses by the end of 2023. In Australia, the Government and Transdev are working hand in hand to achieve a cleaner transport future, as in 2022, they confirmed a co-funding agreement with the State Government through the Hydrogen Industry Development Fund. This agreement promises two hydrogen fuel cell buses to be trialed in the Brisbane public transport network.

We were grateful to have a rich and diverse panel of speakers for a Q&A session. Many thanks to our panellists for their time and contribution to this event:

• Fanny Mattens, Head of Strategic Development and Sustainability at Airbus Australia Pacific
• Nathan Dunlop, Vice President of Strategy at Tritium
• David Clement, General Manager - VP Oceania at HDF Energy Australia

Amongst other topics of discussion, Fanny Mattens shed light on upcoming aviation industry challenges that included facing disruptive technology, energy pathway, air traffic management and infrastructure. While airbus is also aiming to use hydrogen to contribute to a cleaner transport future, in the meantime, the company is focusing on developing biofuels, in a recent agreement with Qantas. 

Many thanks to our panellists for contributing to such an interesting panel discussion, and to our host and sponsor Holding Redlich​ and our sponsor Transdev​. 

If you wish to sponsor one of our upcoming events, please contact claire.dupre@facci.com.au.