Tasmania has unveiled its first statewide Emissions Reduction and Resilience Plan for the transport sector.
Tasmanian energy and renewables minister Nick Duigan says the plan is about providing support to the transport sector and the community to transition to low emissions transport alternatives.
“The Plan is the first sector to be delivered under the government’s climate change legislation,” Duigan says.
“Our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future is about taking action, right now, on the issues affecting Tasmanians, and we are taking real action to reduce emissions by investing $1.4 million to support businesses, industry and the community through important initiatives within this plan.
“A key focus of the Plan is increasing the use of public and active transport in Tasmania, which not only helps lower emissions, but reduces traffic congestion and improves health and wellbeing.
“From the expansion of the River Derwent Ferry Service to improvements in bus services around the state, our government is pushing forward with better and more eco-friendly transport options for all Tasmanians.
“We also know that capitalising on low emissions opportunities can help deliver increased investment, jobs and economic growth.”
The Transport Emissions Reduction and Resilience Plan includes:
- financial support for small businesses to purchase cargo e-bikes for last mile deliveries, and electric delivery vans;
- no-interest loans for the purchase of e-bikes through the Energy Saver Loan Scheme;
- a third round of the ChargeSmart Grants Program to install public fast electric vehicle (EV) charging in key locations;
- pilot sites for secure bike parking, to support a sustainable and accessible transport network;
- supporting the Australian Electric Vehicle Association (AEVA) National Conference and the Energy, Efficiency, Electric Expo, in Hobart in November 2024;
- public education resources about driving electric vehicles in Tasmanian conditions, EV tourism materials, and resources for small business; and
- funding to the automotive industry to develop a skills transition plan to support the transition to electric vehicles.
The remaining Emissions Reduction and Resilience plans will delivered by late 2024.
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