This week saw the Future Shapers 24 delve into the future of transport in our region.
The day kicked off at the Ballarat Airport with a discussion on activating aviation in Ballarat with Cr Samantha McIntosh and Ballarat Airport Commercial Manager, Jonathan Willsher Participants gained firsthand insights during a tour of Field Air, exploring its pivotal role in Ballarat’s aviation future.
The day continued with Michael Poulton, CEO of Committee for Ballarat, highlighting Plan Victoria’s ambitious train commuting plans, including the proposed ‘Events Platform’ at Mars Stadium. A peer learning workshop then engaged participants in envisioning how future transport improvements could enhance their workplaces.
Principal Transport Planner, Luisiana Paganelli Silva from the City of Ballarat addressed micro-mobility and sustainable transport solutions, emphasizing strategies to reduce car reliance and parking challenges. The day culminated in the Connectivity Challenge, where participants creatively navigated from Ballarat Airport to the Base Hospital and back, using alternative transport modes.
These discussions and activities underscored the importance of innovative transport solutions in shaping Ballarat’s future. A big thank you to all speakers, hosts, and participants for contributing to a day filled with learning, collaboration, and forward-thinking ideas!