Climate change and greenhouse gas emissions
Transport is Queensland's fourth largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, contributing 12.1 per cent to Queensland's total emissions. Road transport is the largest source of transport-related greenhouse gas emissions, with passenger cars the greatest contributors.
What is the Queensland Government doing?
The Queensland Government launched its revised climate change strategy ClimateQ: toward a greener Queensland in August 2009. ClimateQ sets out the next steps that will help Queensland transition to a lower carbon future. The following transport-related initiatives are contained within ClimateQ:
- Improved traffic flow for reduced emissions.
- Vehicle Offsets Contribution Scheme.
- TravelSmart Workplaces and Events.
- TravelSmart Schools.
- Faster, better, safer walking and cycling.
- Public Transport Planning Tool.
- Low emission bus trial.
- FreightSmart (including Port of Brisbane Trial).
- Greening the taxi fleet.
For more information on the above transport-related initiatives contained in ClimateQ, visit the Office of Climate Change.
In addition to these initiatives, the Queensland Government is building the transport infrastructure necessary to support the transition to a lower carbon future. For example, through the State Budget, the Queensland Government committed significant funds in 2009-10 for public transport infrastructure, systems and services.
Other initiatives that support the ClimateQ strategic direction are included in the Department of Transport and Main Roads' Integrated Regional Transport Plans. For example, 'creating a low carbon and environmentally responsible transport system', is one of the nine key transport policy goals proposed in the draft Connecting SEQ 2031: An Integrated Regional Transport Plan for South East Queensland which guides sustainable actions and outcomes for our future transportation system.
From 1 January 2008, the Queensland Government introduced a new rating system for vehicle registration duty. Under the new scheme, hybrid and electric vehicles are charged the lowest rate of duty, with the duty increasing in accordance with an increasing number of cylinders or rotors. This will provide Queenslanders with an incentive to play their part in tackling climate change by encouraging the purchase of smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles. For more information on the vehicle registration duty, visit the Office of State Revenue.
How can Queenslanders reduce their transport greenhouse gas emissions?
Queenslanders also need to play their part. This can be achieved by choosing sustainable transport options, such as public transport, cycling, walking, and carpooling. For more information, visit TravelSmart. When buying a new vehicle, Queenslanders should look for models with the lowest greenhouse gas emissions on the fuel consumption label.
Queenslanders can also take advantage of the Reverse the Effect* voluntary offset contribution scheme to balance their vehicle emissions. On 4 November 2009, the scheme was officially launched with the government helping out by matching Queenslanders' contributions dollar-for-dollar up to A$4.5 million. Funds collected through the scheme will be used to purchase corridors of bushland so that native wildlife can respond to climate change by migrating to suitable new habitat areas.
Subtle but smart changes to the way Queenslanders maintain and drive their vehicles can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Ecodriving Tips
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Drive to save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions:
- Reduce unnecessary braking and accelerating by driving smoothly and with enough distance from the vehicle in front. This will save fuel.
- Drive between 1500 and 2500 rpm (lower for diesel engines) to improve fuel efficiency.
- Change gears sooner rather than later to keep revs below 2500 rpm. For automatic, the vehicle will shift up a gear more quickly and smoothly if the driver eases back slightly on the accelerator when the vehicle gathers momentum.
- When making a quick drop off or pick up, turn the vehicle off. Restarting uses less fuel than idling.
- When starting your vehicle, there’s no need to idle. Driving is the best way to warm your engine.
- Reduce the amount of extra weight in the vehicle and any external items that will cause drag.
- Use air-conditioners only when needed as they use extra fuel.
- Do not speed. Not only is it dangerous but burns fuel at a faster rate.
- Plan ahead to reduce the frequency and length of vehicle trips. Especially plan to avoid peak hour city driving.
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Maintain your vehicle to reduce greenhouse gas emissions:
- Regularly service your vehicle to support fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Keep tyres inflated to the recommended pressure. Look up the correct pressure in the vehicle maintenance manual or ask a local tyre supplier.
Want to know more? Visit LivingGreener.gov.au*.
*The content found by using this link is not created, controlled or approved by this department. No responsibility is taken for the consequences of viewing content on this site. This link will load into a new window.
