We are proud to have partnered with six other councils to prepare a Community Electric Vehicle Transition Plan.
Developed by the municipalities of Banyule, Darebin, Hume, Mitchell, Merri-bek, Nillumbik and Whittlesea as part of the Northern Councils Alliance, the plan presents a series of recommendations for all levels of government that would prepare Melbourne’s north for transition to electric vehicles (EVs).
The plan is the result of a collaborative effort to develop an evidence-based, detailed plan for supporting lower-emissions transport options for the community, businesses and councils.
Transport is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions across Australia, including in Melbourne’s north. The transition to sustainable transport modes, including walking, cycling, buses and EVs, provides a significant opportunity to decarbonise transport across the region and improve liveability.
The next step is advocating to Commonwealth and State Governments for support and funding to achieve the plan’s goals.
Key highlights from the plan include:
Moving towards electric vehicles alone is not going to meet overall transport emissions reduction goals.
Noting the challenges of meeting emissions targets – even if all new vehicles purchased from 2023 onwards were zero emission, Australia would not reach the 43 per cent target in the transport sector.
Realising the key opportunities available through the transport network, including walking, cycling and micro-mobility e-bikes and e-scooters – all must play a part in creating a sustainable transport future.
Promoting transport and infrastructure that will encourage people to choose to walk and cycle rather than drive.
Councils beginning to embed emissions reductions into municipal transport strategies.
Hume has been a leader in emissions reduction, including through the In addition to rebates from the Victorian Government, the program also offers a $700 rebate for concession card holders. More than 200 households in Hume have installed solar through the program to date.
Quotes attributed to Mayor of Hume City, Cr Joseph Haweil
“This is a great example of councils working together to provide a coherent, planned response that will enable our community to transition to lower-emission forms of transport.
“Community sentiment on EVs is evolving rapidly, and residents are increasingly asking our councils to provide public EV charging.
“In addition to the emission reduction benefit that comes from shifting towards EVs, there is a potential economic benefit to businesses to transition to EVs.”
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