Views sought on path to net zero transport

THE federal government is calling for public input on its roadmap to achieve net zero emissions in the transport sector by 2050.

The Transport and Infrastructure Net Zero Consultation Roadmap, released last week, outlines potential pathways for reducing emissions and enhancing productivity through decarbonising transport and transport infrastructure.

Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said she was hoping for a wide range of views.

“We seek the views of all interested Australians, and wish to engage with industry, the climate movement, experts, unions, the community and with all levels of government to develop this sectoral plan, ensuring it is robust, ambitious and achievable, and accepted by the community.”

Transport accounts for 21 per cent of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions, making it the third-largest source of emissions in the country.

Without intervention, transport emissions are projected to become the largest source of greenhouse gases by 2030.

The roadmap aims to identify practical and economically responsible changes to pave the way for a cleaner future, while also creating jobs and easing the cost of living.

The government’s Net Zero 2050 plan is designed to maximise the benefits of the global shift to net zero, providing long-term policy certainty to attract investment in low emissions and renewable technologies.

“We have set out important questions in the Consultation Roadmap and will work with stakeholders on identifying and implementing actions to reduce transport emissions in a way that works for Australia,” King said.

“With this new Consultation Roadmap acting as a guide, we are committed to creating a cleaner future that is economically responsible and socially inclusive, creates jobs, and ensures we have a future made in Australia.”

The government is also developing six sectoral plans to support the Net Zero 2050 plan, covering electricity and energy; industry; resources; the built environment; agriculture and land; and transport.

The Transport and Infrastructure Net Zero Roadmap and Action Plan will serve as the sectoral plan for the transport sector.

Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said that across the economy, Australia emitted about 465 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent gases in the past year.

“There are exciting opportunities for positive change and innovation that will come with decarbonising our transport and infrastructure sectors. Our recently-passed National Vehicle Emissions Standards will avoid about 80Mt of emissions by 2035, and save billions in fuel costs.

“I encourage all interested Australians to have their say on the Consultation Roadmap.”

Public consultation on the Roadmap at infrastructure.gov.au/NetZeroHYS will close on July 26.