22/07/2005 - Communities
will be encouraged to travel ‘smarter’ with
a $650,000 funding boost for projects under
the Australian Government’s Local Greenhouse
Action programme.
Australian Minister for the Environment and
Heritage, Senator Ian Campbell, said the funding
- which will be matched by State and Territory
governments - will see the introduction of
a range of practical actions to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions from the transport sector.
“It is important to encourage people to rely
less on their cars and increase walking, cycling
and use of public transport,” Senator Campbell
said.
“Over two years, the funding will help the
States and Territories to introduce a range
of new community projects under TravelSmart™
Australia – a better way to go, which aims
to increase community uptake of sustainable
transport options.”
Projects introduced with earlier Australian
Government funding include infrastructure
changes, such as bike racks on buses, cycle
and walking paths and secure bike racks; increased
local services, like shuttle bus services;
changes to charging, including ‘three for
free’ parking; and improving access to travel
information, such as travel access guides
and cycle maps.
“Changing the way we travel is important
not just to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,
but also to improve our health and fitness,
and make our local environments more livable,”
Senator Campbell said.
Transport is the fastest growing emission
sector in Australia. It accounts for more
than 79.7 million tonnes of net greenhouse
gas emissions, which represents 14 per cent
of Australia’s total emissions. Around 90
per cent of these emissions come from road
transport including cars, trucks and buses.
