Public invited to consult on a roadmap for a net zero transport sector

The federal government has published a roadmap setting out a path to reducing emissions in the transport sector by 2050 and called on the public to provide feedback.

Released on May 22, Action Plan for Net Zero Transport and Infrastructure Consultationidentifies opportunities to increase efficiency and innovation by decarbonizing transport and transport infrastructure.

The roadmap process aims to identify tangible and achievable changes that can help chart a path to a cleaner future in a way that is economically responsible, creates jobs and lowers the cost of living.

Transport is currently the third largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Australia, accounting for 21% of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions in 2023. The government has said that if nothing is done, transport emissions are likely to become the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions greenhouses in Australia by 2030

The Federal Government is developing a Net Zero 2050 plan to ensure Australia maximizes the benefits of the global net zero transition and provides long-term policy certainty to drive investment in low carbon and renewable technologies.

To support the plan, the government is developing six sector plans covering electricity and energy, industry, resources, built environment, agriculture and land, and transport.

The Net Zero Transport and Infrastructure Roadmap and Action Plan will be a sectoral net zero emissions plan for the transport and transport infrastructure sectors.

The federal government said taking action would increase the productivity and resilience of the sector, the infrastructure on which it relies, and support job creation as the sector transitions to net zero.

By providing feedback on the Consultation Roadmap, all Australians now have the opportunity to share their views on potential pathways forward for transport and transport infrastructure, and what actions governments, business and the community can take to ensure these sectors contribute to achieving net zero emissions by 2050

This information will inform the actions and policies the government will commit to in the final Zero Grid Transport and Infrastructure Roadmap and Action Plan, scheduled for publication in late 2024.

The consultation will end on 26 July 2024.

To display Action Plan for Net Zero Transport and Infrastructure Consultationand provide feedback, visit the website www.infrastructure.gov.au/NetZeroHYS.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the government wanted to engage with industry, the climate movement, experts, trade unions, the community and all levels of government to develop this sector plan, ensuring it is robust, ambitious and achievable and accepted by the community.

“We have set out important questions in the consultation roadmap and will work with stakeholders to identify and implement actions to reduce transport emissions in a way that benefits Australia,” Ms King said.

“With this new Consultative Action Plan, we are acting as a guide, committed to creating a cleaner future that is economically responsible and socially inclusive, creates jobs and ensures the future is built in Australia.”

Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said Australia emitted about 465 million tonnes of carbon dioxide-equivalent gases across the economy last year, with the transport sector accounting for about a fifth of those emissions.

“There are exciting opportunities for positive change and innovation that will emerge as we decarbonize our transport and infrastructure sectors,” Bowen said.

“Our recently adopted national vehicle emissions standards will avoid around 80 million tonnes of emissions by 2035 and save billions in fuel costs. I encourage all interested Australians to have their say on the consultation action plan.”

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