The WA transport group now wants more to join and focus on protecting the environment
Western Roads Federation (WRF) is launching its Western Australian transport industry climate action working group and is seeking interest to develop constructive proposals to make the industry more sustainable.
WRF says it wants interested parties to help develop action ideas that the group can then take to state and federal government as a way of moving its focus towards the transport industry.
With transport being the second largest generator of emissions after the energy sector, the WRF says climate action presents opportunities and risks for the industry, meaning proactive leadership is needed to aid positive outcomes.
Considerations listed in the WRF’s proposal as part of the climate action working group include:
- Diesel and AdBlue security – reducing reliance on imported fuel and finding a solution for on-shore AdBlue manufacturing
- Alternative energy trucks – negating the current two-year wait for new trucks by clearing the backlog
- Conversion technology – building on the WA government’s investment in rail carriages by using emerging solutions like battery or electric technology
- Infrastructure – investing in alternative fuel networks plus skills development for repair and maintenance
- Productivity – ensure trucks don’t get held up waiting or in traffic, as it adds greenhouse gas emissions for every litre of diesel used
The WRF says identifying and removing these points of delay in the supply chain can massively improve productivity in the industry, meaning there’s less emissions.
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The WRF also wants to see the state’s industry get ahead of a ‘lead or get taxed’ system where more financial penalties may be incurred by not focusing on sustainable transport early.
While there are still incentives in place to transition the sector, the WRF is leading the action working group to instil a culture change and remove diesel from the industry and focus on climate change.
Interested parties can participate in the group by contacting WRF CEO Cam Dumesny at Cam.Dumesny@westernroads.com.au.