The NSW Government has announced $9.5 million worth of funding to build the largest government-run autonomous vehicle testing site in the southern hemisphere.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway has announced a major upgrade to the ‘Future Mobility Testing and Research Centre’ near Orange. 

It is hoped that the research facility will eventually become Australia’s first certification site for driverless vehicles.

The hub’s future mobility testing and assurance team supports the NSW autonomous vehicle trial framework, which is used to approve vehicle trials on the NSW road network.

“We want to include simulated city scenarios, pedestrian interaction test zones and dynamic driverless vehicle test environments like rain, tunnels, and dirt roads,” says Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway. 

The upgraded hub is set to conduct research into crash prevention technologies, including lane keep assist, and advanced autonomous braking systems. The state government is planning to make these technologies mandatory on all new vehicles entering the market by 2023.

“Bringing the facility in line with 2023 local and international testing requirements will see the facility’s capability further expand to accommodate the growing breadth of active safety testing required by independent safety authority, Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP),” Mr Farraway said.

ANCAP chief executive Carla Hoorweg says the funding will benefit consumers down the line. 

“Having access to world-class active safety testing facilities locally means Australian consumers and road users reap the benefits of a safer vehicle fleet,” she said.

“The upgrades mean vehicles can be tested to the latest, globally-recognised safety standards, and ensure manufacturers are encouraged to supply newer, safer vehicles to our market.”

An Emerging Vehicle Experience (EVE) was recently held at the Future Mobility Testing and Research Centre. Held over two days, the event was designed to connect future transport leaders, enable industry development, and drive learning, development and connection.

The latest technology in autonomous vehicles was displayed, with various vehicle and testing demonstrations as well as numerous workshops and presentations throughout the free event.