iRAP’s Chief of Future Impact Rob McInerney AO joined mobility leaders and innovators as a keynote speaker at Mobility 2026 in Brisbane this week, sharing the vision for creating safe and sustainable 5-star journeys as a legacy of major sporting events.
As Brisbane prepares for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and iRAP partnerships develop in support of safer journeys to World Cup, Formula 1 and Olympic events worldwide, the topic is particularly pertinent.
From 27–28 May, ITS Australia’s Mobility 2026 Conference brought together government, industry and academia to explore how technology, innovation, and collaboration are driving the next era of connected, accessible, and sustainable transport.
Latest insights and innovations were presented across topics including sustainable and active transport, on-demand mobility, integrated mobility systems, accessible and inclusive transport, smart payments and seamless ticketing, emerging technologies, and energy transition and grid management.
Rob joined a distinguished keynote line-up including Sally Stannard, Director-General of Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads, Dr Ollie Teall of WSP, Vincent Doran from Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads and Claus von Hessberg, Chairman and Founder of SkedGo.
“Safe journeys matter,” Rob said, “Road crashes are the largest killer of young people aged 5-29 years, and more than 100,000 people suffering life-changing injuries each day.”
”Journeys are also deeply personal … for communities and people of all ages, abilities and needs. How we move shapes our quality of life, vibrant communities and thriving economies. Safety and accessibility are key to participation,” he said.
Rob’s keynote address explored the ingredients of 5-star journeys and the enormous potential for integrating Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) with Avaliação Estrela iRAP to help inform safest route and mode choices, contributing to Vision Zero and Net Zero ambitions for liveable streets and climate-friendly cities.
How ITS features can improve road safety outcomes, how they can be measured within Star Ratings and Investment Plans, and scale road safety outcomes was discussed, along with global partnerships and emerging technologies already helping to advance inclusive mobility and human-centred design.
Looking ahead to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, Rob profiled the opportunity for South East Queensland to create a lasting legacy of 5-star safe, inclusive, accessible and sustainable journeys for residents and visitors through to 2050.
“We have a real opportunity to create a new reality of seamless mobility through strategic and legacy-driven investment in transport and infrastructure associated with major sporting events.
“The Olympic and Paralympic Games require us to be bold. Local ambitions are high, global partners are keen and willing, and together we have an opportunity to shape how we want to move in 2050. The opportunity to leverage investment and power safe, seamless mobility through ITS and advanced technologies is ours,” Rob said.
Download Rob’s keynote presentation slides aqui.
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