Brisbane announced as host of the 17th Asia Pacific ITS Forum in 2020

Published Wednesday, 23 May, 2018 at 05:06 PM

JOINT STATEMENT

Minister for Innovation and Tourism Industry Development and Minister for the Commonwealth Games
The Honourable Kate Jones

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Mark Bailey

Brisbane is further cementing its reputation as Australia’s new world city, after being selected to host the 17th Intelligent Transport Systems Asia Pacific Forum in May, 2020 (ITSAP2020).

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said it was an honour for Queensland to be selected as the 2020 host location, with the announcement made during the recent ITS Asia Pacific Forum held in Fukuoka, Japan.

“Queensland is at the forefront of developing and deploying ITS technologies, particularly in the area of cooperative and automated vehicles, and I am delighted the forum will be held in Brisbane in 2020,” Mr Bailey said.

“It is an exciting era for ITS and the ITS Asia Pacific Forum provides an opportunity to bring the industry together to share how far we have come, and prepare for the journey ahead.

“As the location for the largest trial of Cooperative-ITS in Australia, with public deployment due in late 2019, the best way to understand how we do ITS in Queensland is to come experience it for yourself.”

Australia’s Ambassador to Japan, Richard Court, who co-presented Brisbane’s bid to the ITS Asia Pacific Board of Director, said more than 1000 delegates were expected to attend the forum in 2020.

"Our industry resources will collaborate with our international peers to produce a strong ITSAP2020 program to help move the industry forward locally, in Asia Pacific and globally,” Mr Court said.

“Australia is a world leader in transport technologies, with all states and territories conducting rural and urban, on and off-road initiatives to ensure people and freight can move safely, efficiently and with a level of environmental sustainability.” 

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said the Palaszczuk Government, via Tourism and Events Queensland, was proud to support ITSAP2020, which would be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

“Business events are vital to Queensland's tourism industry, attracting visitors and promoting our destinations to domestic and international visitors,” she said.

Brisbane City Council Lord Mayor Graham Quirk congratulated the team on its successful forum bid.

Cr Quirk said Brisbane was the ideal location to host the 2020 forum, with its world-class infrastructure, venues, accommodation and unique lifestyle and leisure opportunities.

“Brisbane offers all the sophistication and style of larger destinations accompanied by the warm hospitality the city is renowned for, and delegates will have the opportunity to experience our city for themselves,” Cr Quirk said. 

“Business events make a significant contribution to Brisbane, generating more than $257 million for our city’s economy last financial year. I congratulate the local and interstate bid teams on their successful campaign to bring the forum here.”

Dean Zabrieszach, president ITS Australia, was pleased with the support from ITS Asia Pacific colleagues, and the enthusiasm for Brisbane’s selection.

“ITS Australia has enjoyed relationships with our Asia Pacific colleagues for more than 25 years, and we are grateful for their vote of confidence in selecting us to host their flagship event,” Mr Zabrieszach said. 

"ITS Australia organised the successful 2016 ITS World Congress in Melbourne and building on that experience, and with the collaboration of our international friends, Brisbane will host ITSAP2020 to help all cities and communities to become more liveable." 

ENDS

 

Media contacts

Minister Bailey's office: 0439 347 875

Minister Jones' office: 0419 620 447