The National Road Transport Association (NatRoad) has called for the Australian government to establish a Clean Transport Fund worth $3 billion to support the trucking industry’s pursuit of net zero.
Should current trends continue, the transport industry will be the highest-emitting sector in the nation due to increasing freight demand and projected emission reductions from the electricity sector.
The proposed establishment of the $3 billion fund is aimed at improving:
- Supporting the rollout of electric trucks
- Recharging infrastructure
- Hydrogen solutions
- Boosting efficiency with better heavy vehicle access, and
- Giving trucking operators better information to make low emission investment decisions.
NatRoad CEO Warren Clark says without additional investment in its decarbonisation future, the freight industry could be left behind.
“Australia’s roadmap to net zero for transport is not on track, risking our climate targets and pushing the industry into crisis,” Clark says.
“Trucking is an essential part of Australia’s economy, yet our industry is under immense pressure.
“With an average profit margin of just two per cent, a shortage of 26,000 drivers, and the weight of extensive red tape, the proposed roadmap falls short of offering the support needed to help road freight businesses reduce emissions effectively.”
“We need a comprehensive transition strategy that secures the future of our supply chains, strengthens our economy, and lowers emissions.
“The Australian fair go should apply to this transition, protecting jobs and ensuring no one is left behind.”
Aside from added government investment, Clark also called on businesses to stand by their low-emission goals.
“Big businesses need to back up their green pledges with genuine purchasing commitments,” Clark continues.
“Major transport customers can’t simply bank billion-dollar profits while seeking low-cost transport contracts and claiming to be saving the planet.
“They can do more to offer road freight companies better rates and contract terms to enable low-emission transport solutions.”
Clark finally called state and federal governments to do more to support the trucking industry and believes a Clean Transport Fund is a “reasonable request” given the support already given to the energy sector.
“Transport is on track to become the highest emitting sector, but small trucking businesses are not getting the help they need,” Clark said.
“A $3 billion Clean Transport Fund is a reasonable request, considering the significant public benefits, such as lower emissions and health costs.
“The government’s transport net zero roadmap will be meaningless without serious investment. Emissions are still rising, and without the right policy framework, net zero will push the industry into crisis.”
Click here to view the full NatRoad Stronger Economy, Lower Emissions report.
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