Solutions

There is no single solution to the challenge of sustainable transport energy. In recognising this, the Department is working to identify and promote long term and holistic strategies to address the complex problems facing the transport sector. The Department is also facilitating the take up of cleaner new vehicle technologies and alternative fuels, while also promoting fuel efficiency in the transport sector.

Examples of State Government’s initiatives relating to transport emissions include:

• Expanding and investing in the Perth passenger rail network (including the new Mandurah rail line);

• Conducting the Perth Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus Trial;

• Trialling bio-fuels in Transperth buses;

• Ensuring that Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powers all new buses purchased for the Transperth bus fleet;

• Developing new WA Government Fleet Policy and Guidelines, which require agencies to select passenger vehicles with a CO2 emissions rating not exceeding 215 g/km. More information on this policy can be found at the website of the Department of Treasury and Finance on the Buyer Publications page. The Green Vehicle Guide provides examples of vehicles with a 215g/km emission rating.

• Introducing a Green Taxi scheme in Perth;

• Introducing a $1000 LPG conversion subsidy scheme for family vehicles; and

• Hosting the 2006 Alternative Transport Energies Conference and the 2004 Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Futures Conference, bringing delegates from all over the world to Perth to discuss what the world is doing to provide cleaner, more sustainable and secure transport energy supplies.

At the national level, the Western Australian Minister for Transport chairs the Australian Transport Council’s Climate Change, Environment and Energy Working Group. The Department provides secretariat support for this group, which is looking at national level initiatives to improve the energy efficiency and environmental performance of Australia’s transport sector.