Perth Voice Interactive

WA’S peak cycling body has joined a call for the Albanese government to rethink its new fuel efficiency standards and aim for net zero emissions by 2035.

Although the government has already passed legislation establishing the standards, with the aim of pushing car companies into selling more fuel efficient vehicles, it’s currently consulting on a “roadmap” to reducing emissions by 43 per cent of their 2005 levels by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2050.

But WestCycle has joined 56 other groups, including peak cycling bodies in South Australia, Victoria, NSW and Queensland, to call for the government to get “serious” and move forward the target.

The groups released a statement saying that without immediate target-based action, transport would be the country’s highest emitting carbon sector in five or six years.

“Reaching net zero by 2050 is too late and not aligned with climate science,” the joint statement said.

“We therefore strongly encourage the government to set a science-based target for cutting transport emissions in line with the Paris Agreement goal of 1.5C, as this is essential for accountability.”

They want a set date for a complete shift to electric vehicles, efforts to reduce unnecessary travel and more emphasis on public transport and cycling.

“A decarbonised transport sector has the added co-benefit of improved health and wellbeing outcomes – reducing the strain on the healthcare system, by addressing traffic-related air pollution and the estimated 11,000 deaths a year associated with it, as well as physical inactivity exacerbated by car dependency,” the statement said.

“The roadmap and action plan should specify how all levels of government will collaborate on legislation, planning, design and delivery of transport and infrastructure and investment to overcome current barriers, as well as collaboration with industry stakeholders and the community.”

Other groups backing the statement included the Australian Conservation Foundation, GreenPeace, Parents for Climate, the Uniting Church and the Climate Action Network Australia.

Federal Perth Labor MP Patrick Gorman said he was proud to be part of a government acting on cleaner transport, which aligned with local values.

“Nationally, we are working hard to make sure the vehicles of the future are cleaner and better for our environment,” Mr Gorman said.

“Our New Vehicle Efficiency Standard will come into effect on January 1, 2025 and will apply to new cars sold in the Australian market. 

Standards

“The introduction of the standard keeps Australia on track to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

“The standard will save Perth money at the bowser, give our community more choice of cheaper cars that are fuel-efficient, low or zero emissions, and reduce transport emissions, improving the air that Perth families breathe.

“Our Government is committing $100 million to upgrade and deliver new bicycle and walking paths.

“Investing in the infrastructure that helps people get to school, work and local services safely without needing to jump in the car.

“And in February this year I was pleased to join minister King and lord mayor Basil Zempilas to officially open the new Kings Park Road Shared Path.

“The project is one of six under the $14.5 million Perth CBD Transport Plan – Active Travel Upgrades, funded by the Australian government and WA government and delivered by the City of Perth as part of the Perth City Deal.

“A shining example of how federal, state and local governments are working together to make our city safer, more connected and more sustainable.

“I know sustainability is front of mind for so many in our community when they make decisions about transport. 

“Personally, I have recently been enjoying using my e-bike with my family around Perth. 

“There are so many opportunities for sustainable and active transport in our community, and I am proud to be part of a government which is seriously investing in making transport a key part of our plan for net zero by 2050.”

by STEVE GRANT