The Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Shane Rattenbury has invited neighbouring jurisdictions to join the ACT in bulk-buying electric vehicles for their Government fleets.
Mr Rattenbury said that in April the ACT released the Transition to Zero Emissions Vehicles Action Plan 2018-2021 which set a clear direction for the Territory to demonstrate leadership.
“At least 50 per cent of all newly leased ACT Government fleet passenger vehicles will be zero emissions vehicles in 2019-20 where fit for purpose,” Mr Rattenbury said.
“All newly leased ACT Government fleet passenger vehicles will be zero emissions vehicles from 2020-21.”
He said local jurisdictions were at the frontline of climate change impacts and were well-placed to implement climate change solutions.
“That’s why I’ve reaffirmed an offer to other jurisdictions to work with the ACT and enhance our bargaining power to get the best prices for electric vehicles,” Mr Rattenbury said.
“Working closely with other Councils who may also wish to expand their electric vehicle fleets strengthens our negotiating position and signals that there is a strong and growing demand for electric vehicles in the Australian market.”
He said the ACT’s Zero Emissions Vehicles Action Plan also committed the Government to working with Local and State Governments to facilitate the installation of charging stations on major routes to and from Canberra, including those to Sydney and coastal areas.
He said this tackled the so-called ‘range anxiety’ among drivers and promoted regional tourism and economic opportunities.
Mr Rattenbury noted the ACT had received recognition for its work on climate change at the inaugural Cities Power Partner Summit Awards, winning the Sustainable Transport Achievement Award.
