SAGE Contributes to Key Industry Conversations at ITS Australia Summit 2026

The ITS Australia Summit 2026 brought together transport operators, asset owners, government agencies, technology providers and industry leaders from across Australia to explore the future of safer, smarter and more connected transport networks.

As one of Australia's premier transport technology events, the Summit provided an opportunity to share expertise, learn from industry peers and contribute to discussions shaping the next generation of transport infrastructure and operations.

This year, SAGE Group had a strong presence throughout the Summit, with six presentations delivered by our transport specialists across topics including intelligent transport systems (ITS), freight efficiency, tunnel operations, airport transport management, traffic signal optimisation, and the growing role of artificial intelligence and data in transport networks.

Sharing real-world ITS experience

Drawing on experience gained from delivering complex transport projects across roads, tunnels, airports, ports and freight corridors, the SAGE team shared practical insights and lessons learned from some of Australia's most significant transport infrastructure initiatives.

Pictured above: Daniel Stephenson and Duncan Spencer presented the development of a tailored Operations Management and Control System (OMCS) that gives Melbourne Airport's Ground Control team real-time visibility and control of the road network, supporting smoother operations, improved incident response and enhanced public safety.

Presentations included:

• Heysen Tunnel Upgrade – DALI, misting systems and more
  Graham Wilson
• Hold on Heavy: Safer roads, faster freight, fewer emissions
  Ashby Martin and Christian Chong-White
• Re-imagining Traffic Signals
  Christian Chong-White
• Bitumen vs Technology: Cost Benefit Analysis of Intelligent Signals
  Ashby Martin
• Melbourne Airport's Step-Change in ITS Capability
  Daniel Stephenson and Duncan Spencer
• AI, Data and Compliance in Australia's Busiest Ports (Keynote)
  Ashby Martin

Collectively, these presentations explored how technology, operational intelligence and data-driven decision-making are helping transport operators improve safety, optimise network performance, reduce congestion and support more sustainable transport outcomes.

Pictured above: Christian Chong-White presenting at ITS. Christian's presentations covered the role that traffic signals play in modern transport networks and, as a co-presenter for Hold on Heavy, a look at how intelligent infrastructure can improve safety and efficiency for freight operators and other road users. 

Common themes across the Summit

A recurring theme throughout the event was the importance of balancing innovation with practical outcomes. While emerging technologies such as AI continue to create new opportunities for the sector, discussions consistently focused on how these capabilities can be applied to solve real operational challenges and deliver measurable benefits for infrastructure owners, operators and the communities they serve.

Pictured above: Ashby Martin delivering a keynote presentation on AI, Data and Compliance in
Australia's busiest ports. 

From increasingly intelligent traffic signal management and heavy vehicle optimisation to advanced tunnel systems, airport operations and port compliance, the Summit demonstrated how connected technologies are transforming transport networks across Australia. 

Pictured above: Graham Wilson presenting on the technologies and engineering considerations
involved in modern tunnel operations. 

Looking ahead

The conversations at this year's ITS Australia Summit reinforced the critical role Intelligent Transport Systems play in improving the safety, efficiency and resilience of transport infrastructure.

For SAGE, the event provided an opportunity not only to share expertise, but also to learn from industry peers, strengthen relationships across the sector and contribute to discussions that will help shape the future of Australian transport.

As transport networks become more connected, data-rich and operationally complex, collaboration between industry, operators and technology specialists will remain essential to delivering smarter outcomes for communities and transport users alike.

Stay tuned in the coming weeks as we share more from the SAGE team's presentations. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive them directly in your inbox.