One step closer to zero emissions transport

There are many hurdles for heavy road transport operators to transition to low and zero emission vehicles and now one more barrier has been removed in QLD.

According the announcement from the Miles Government, they are committed to becoming a leader in sustainable transportation and encourages the use of low and zero emission transport technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate adverse impacts on the environment throughout their lifecycle.

Using an evidence based approach, the QLD Government is allowing for the transport industry to adopt Zero Emission Heavy Vehicles.  Part of this is to undertake research into what the additional mass of these vehicles might have on our road infrastructure but at the same acknowledging that ZEHVs are an existing part of future energy transition.

An important part of the Government’s considerations has been to identify which parts of the road network could best accommodate these vehicles and facilitate access to essential supply chain linkages.

As part of a staged approach the Zero Emission Heavy Vehicle Network Map (State-Controlled Roads) is focused on selected state-controlled roads in the South-East Queensland corner of the state where industry has told us initial demand will be highest, extending from the New South Wales border at the Gold Coast to Bundaberg and as far west as Toowoomba and Warwick.

The Transport and Main Roads Minister Bart Mellish said in the statement, “This announcement will put Queensland on the map as a leader in future electric truck manufacturing.

“As transport is one of the main contributors to Queensland’s emissions Zero Emission Heavy Vehicles can make a significant contribution to meeting Queensland’s targets to reduce emissions by 30% below 2005 levels by 2030 and achieving net zero emissions by 2050.”

Minister Mick de Brenni, Minister for Energy, and Clean Economy Jobs said, “Without trucks, Australia stops, and so decarbonising the heavy transport sector supports emissions reduction right across the economy in everything from resources to agriculture.

“I know all Queenslanders will welcome a future of locally manufactured electric trucks, because it means a creating a lasting legacy for the Australian vehicle manufacturing industry.

“The Miles Government is determined to decarbonise Queensland industries, increase Queensland’s manufacturing opportunities, and protect and create good jobs for Queenslanders.”

Martin Merrick, President, and CEO of Volvo Group Australia said, “I’d like to thank Minister Mellish, Minister de Brenni, Queensland TMR and the NHVR for their support and hard work in bringing this regulatory shift into reality.

”This announcement will allow the full range of Volvo’s electric heavy vehicles to operate on Queensland roads, which is a major win for the people of Queensland.

“We now also have the green light to invest even further in Queensland manufacturing. Last year I announced our intention to build battery electric trucks at our Wacol manufacturing facility, today I can confirm that intention can now be made reality.”