Central West’s chance to get hands-on with cutting-edge road safety tech
The Central West community will get the chance to go behind the scenes at one of the world’s leading centres for road safety innovation when Transport for NSW throws open the gates of its Cudal testing site on Thursday 31 October.
Transport for NSW Director of Future Mobility Evan Walker said the Community Open Day at the Future Mobility Testing and Research Centre (FMTRC) will give locals a chance to participate, learn and get hands on with the latest advancements in vehicle safety and sustainable transport.
“This site, which is dedicated to putting cutting-edge technology through its paces, is usually screened from the outside world to protect the development of next-gen vehicles,” Mr Walker said.
“But the gates of the centre will be thrown open for a day to offer a unique opportunity for the community to see how the future of transport is being shaped on their doorstep.”
At the event, Transport will seek feedback on plans for a $30 million expansion and development of the site, including the construction of a 4.4-kilometre loop track, as well as a new heavy vehicle skid pad.
Activities available on the day will include:
• Live vehicle safety testing demonstrations
• Automated vehicle experiences and demonstrations (participants over 12years old only)
• E-bike test rides (participants over 12 years old only)
• E-scooter test rides (participants over 16 years old only)
• Information sessions about work carried out at the site
• Talks on new and emerging vehicle technologies.
Mr Walker said the event is open to the whole community including children, but those taking part in demonstrations will need to wear closed-in shoes.
“There‘ll be plenty to see and do for all ages, including curious students keen to find out more about careers in new vehicle technology,” Mr Walker said.
“You’ll also get a chance to check out where we’re planning our new loop track, and the exciting move forward into heavy vehicle testing.”
Opened in 2019, on the site of the old Hazleton Airport, the centre is a key player in Australia’s road safety industry, critical to the work of Australasia’s independent vehicle safety testing organisation, ANCAP.
Members of the public can express their interest in attending the Community Open Day by heading to transport.nsw.gov.au/fmtrc