NSW Premier Chris Minns was on the Central Coast on October 3 to announce the release of a new net zero emissions policy for heavy road and rail freight – the next step towards achieving net zero by 2050.
The Towards Net Zero Emissions Freight Policy focuses on reducing the carbon footprint created by heavy road vehicles and rail freight.
Freight accounts for 25 per cent of total transport greenhouse gases in NSW, with demand projected to rise by 34 per cent by 2061.
Minns was joined at Janus Electric at Berkeley Vale by Transport Minister Jo Haylen, Minister for the Central Coast David Harris and Member for The Entrance David Mehan to announce the policy.
It will see the NSW Government work together with industry to support the transition to low and zero emission technologies and to ensure the state’s transport network is ready to adapt as technology and solutions evolve.
The first step will see a two-year trial to give extra mass zero emission heavy vehicles, which weigh more due to their batteries, access to the state road network.
This means the industry can invest in the technology without sacrificing the payloads that underpin the freight business.
An online comparison tool has also been developed to support the transition, providing a free resource for the freight industry to source accurate information on the cost and environmental benefits of low and zero emission vehicles.
Minns said the policy was an important step towards achieving net zero, while working constructively with industries.
“Reducing freight emissions requires a genuine partnership between government and industry,” he said.
“We’re always going to need a freight sector to get the essentials from A to B, so we need to make sure our freight industry is sustainable over the long term.”
Haylen said many freight operators were natural innovators and were already investing in low emission technologies.
“This policy means that the government is able to support industry to continue to invest in new and emerging technologies and reflects our joint commitment to reduce freight emissions,” she said.
“This isn’t just about cutting emissions and protecting our environment, it’s also about strengthening our economy through driving innovation, creating jobs and increasing competitiveness.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said the Government recognised the unique challenges for regional, rural and remote freight operators in achieving net zero.
“By working directly with industry we will be able to support them in accessing this innovative technology and ensure regional operators can access the benefits of the transition,” she said.
More information can be found at www.transport.nsw.gov.au/tnzefp
Source:
NSW Government