Media Release: VICTORIA DRIVES INTELLIGENT TRANSPORT SYSTEMS CLUSTER

FROM THE MINISTER FOR INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

DATE: Tuesday, February 15, 2005

VICTORIA DRIVES INTELLIGENT TRANSPORT SYSTEMS CLUSTER

The Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson launched a new industry cluster to place Victoria at the forefront of the emerging multi billion dollar Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) market.

Ms Thomson announced that the cluster ‘Victorian Intelligent Transport Systems Network ITSVIC’, will receive $100,000 funding from the Bracks Government to establish a collaboration of providers, users and others concerned with the research, development and application of ITS.

“Intelligent Transport Systems is the term used to describe transport information technologies and it is a fabulous example of ICT working with the other sectors, in this case the transport sector to drive innovation, productivity and safety, “said Ms Thomson.

“It has enormous potential to deliver safer, less congested roads and more efficient freight and public transport systems.”

Minister Thomson said that Victoria had a real opportunity to establish itself as a centre of excellence in ITS.

“As well as being home to some of the world’s most talented and innovative IT professionals, Victoria is also a world leader when it comes to transport and logistics.

“We are well placed to take advantage of the enormous global potential of ITS technologies – the US market for ITS alone, is estimated to grow from about $5 billion to $35 billion by 2010,” said Ms Thomson.

Ms Thomson said that the Asia Pacific market was expected to increase rapidly, as more than $700 billion is spent on transport infrastructure in the region.

“This funding will help position Victoria as the national leader and international contender in the provision of ITS applications,” Ms Thomson said.

“ITSVIC will represent the Victorian industry at events and trade fairs to promote and encourage the Victorian industry’s capabilities for export.

“I’m delighted to announce that a ITS delegation will accompany me to Aichi in June as part of the Japan World Expo.”

Intelligent Transport Systems are used by Victorians everyday through taxi dispatch systems, traffic control systems, variable speed signs, car navigation systems, toll tags and ticketing smart cards.

The announcement of the ITSVIC cluster builds on the Victorian Government’s support to establish a National Intelligent Transport Systems Centre of Excellence in Melbourne.

Other clusters and networks already established include: RFID Action, Open Source Victoria, eLearning, Victoria .NET, Enterprise Java Victoria, Spatial Information Victoria, Computer Games, Foundation Biogenix, Victorian Micro Electronic Designer’s Network and the Victorian Photonics Network.