Not Another Plan!
David Freer (Griffith University)
Session: 4
Room: Meeting Room 6
Summary: This session started from a relatively unanimous observation: ‘plans’ are not enough to get things done in transport. With current demographic growth rates and current investments in transport planning, Southeast Queensland is going towards ‘grid lock’. The discussion thus focused on ways to get things moving, in a situation where State government is not acting fast enough. A ‘lobbying’ group mixing local governments, academics, consultants, and businesses was evoked. Overall though, this is a complex topic, where escaping jading is not easy for professionals.
Perfect Transport Network
Arne Ancheta (Queensland Rail)
Session: 4
Room: Meeting Room 5
Summary: People in this session talked about circular roads/loops for public buses, and the frequency of services. Living in a joint family instead of a single couple might help manage land use. Also, micro-mobility took place as a solution to perfect road network. They said that the existing infrastructure and land use policy is not in the best service.
Fixing the Modal Hierarchy - You won’t believe this one small trick!
Zoe Green and Chris O'Brien (Meld Studios)
Session: 4
Room: Meeting Room 7
Summary: The modal hierarchy isn’t working and doesn’t address equitable user access and experience around stations. While active transport is part of the picture, it doesn’t address those with reduced choice due to mobility impairments, resulting in poor equity outcomes. The existing sustainable modal hierarchy is not fit for purpose. DDA compliance is a minimum requirement and not fit for purpose. Let’s advocate for both a sustainable and equitable modal hierarchy. Enabling and prioritising accessible drop-off points to be included in station design will deliver great outcomes for all. Use economic arguments to achieve the human-centered goal. Ensure everyone is using the same vocabulary and correctly framing the arguments. More than permanently disabled people will need accessible transport—broken limbs, prams, people with luggage, and sensory challenges. Harness people’s lived experiences and build evocative narratives to compel decision-makers to drive change.