The ACT Government continues to be recognised internationally for its leadership on zero emissions transport, committing to the Driving Change Together – Katowice Partnership for Electro-mobility declaration, which was launched at the COP24 United Nations climate change summit in Poland last week.
“I am pleased to announce that the ACT Government has signed the Driving Change Together declaration, which recognises the importance of transitioning to clean and sustainable transport,” Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability Shane Rattenbury said.
“So far, the declaration has been signed by over 40 countries from five continents, 1,500 cities and regions, and 1,200 companies from around the world. Joining this global partnership supports our existing Action Plan to drive growth in electric vehicles and e-bikes and commitment to achieving zero net emissions by 2045.
“By bringing together research and exchanging knowledge and experiences across many countries, cities, international organisations and non-government organisations, we can work together at a global and local scale to support the e-mobility sector, develop technologies and set targets for electric fleets and incentives for vehicle purchase.
“We are taking these actions because transport is the next big sector to tackle when it comes to greenhouse gas emissions in the ACT. In 2020, when all of the ACT’s electricity comes from renewable sources, transport from mainly private car use will account for more than 60% of ACT emissions.”
aims to support community uptake of zero emission vehicles through initiatives including:
- Requiring all new multi-unit and mixed use developments to install vehicle charging infrastructure;
- Permitting zero emissions vehicles to drive in transit lanes until 2023 (to commence in 2019);
- Working with local and state governments to facilitate the installation of charging stations on major routes to and from Canberra including routes to Sydney and coastal areas; and
- Investigating incentives to encourage the use of electric bikes in place of cars.
“The ACT is committed to remaining a leader when it comes to innovative industry and climate change mitigation. I am confident that other governments and organisations will have a lot to learn from the ACT’s experience, and I look forward to engaging like-minded states and regions on ways we can reduce our emissions, particularly in the transport sector.
“In early 2019, we will release our new climate change strategy and action plan to 2025, continuing to challenge ourselves to find innovative solutions,” Mr Rattenbury said.
