Cities have been the source of prosperity and economic wealth for centuries with their diversity of skills and culture. Yet today, the economic progress of urban areas is being choked by congestion and traffic problems. To address these issues, the Commonwealth Government has commenced a multi million dollar Travel Demand Management Program designed to improve mobility in our cities.
As part of the program a five city seminar series will be conducted during September. Leading international and national experts will be discussing the latest development in Travel Demand Management issues and policies.
Keynote speaker Karl-Heinz Posch, Scientific Director of the Austrian Mobility Research Company, will discuss the latest developments on mobility management occurring in the European Union. Liz Ampt, from international consultants Steer Davies Gleave, will talk about programs designed to facilitate individual change in travel behaviour.
The seminar series is being conducted by the Australian Greenhouse Office in conjunction with the International Association of Public Transport. Manager of the Australian Greenhouse Office’s Built Environment Team, Dr Tony Marker, said that travel demand management is an important greenhouse issue.
“The Australian transport sector accounts for around 70 million tonnes of Australia’s total net greenhouse gas emissions,” he said. “About 90 per cent of these emissions come from road transport, including cars, trucks and buses.”
Travel Demand Management has many potential benefits including lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduced traffic congestions and local health benefits from reduced air pollution. “Travel Demand Management is one of the most efficient ways of improving the mobility of people in densely populated areas, giving them easier access to jobs, education and leisure activities,” Dr Marker said.
Those interested in attending the seminars should contact The Meetings Manager on (02) 9241 2955 or online at www.tmm.com.au.
The dates for the Travel Demand Management seminar series for 2002 are as follows.
Brisbane: 2 September
Sydney: 4 September
Melbourne: 6 September
Adelaide: 9 September
Perth: 11 September
