By Brenton Reynolds | 21 Aug 2024

In 2023, the transport sector was the third-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Australia. On current projections, the transport sector will become Australia’s largest emitter of carbon emissions by 2030 

Reducing transport and transport infrastructure emissions is critical for Australia achieving its net zero commitments. Approximately 80 per cent of Australia’s population reside in cities, highlighting the importance of decarbonising transport to meet the country’s environmental, social, and economic objectives. It also presents a significant opportunity to reshape our transport system towards a more equitable, inclusive, and lower-carbon future. 

The Australian Government is committed to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. As one of the key sectors of their Net Zero Plan, the Transport and Infrastructure Net Zero Consultation Roadmap provides necessary guidance, direction, and future investment certainty. The Roadmap will help to build confidence in furthering investment in the renewable energy, low carbon fuel technologies, and future technological systems and infrastructure that will be required for net zero transportation in Australia.  

The Roadmap outlines the pathways, actions and policies, the government will take to decarbonise transport and transport infrastructure. As part of their process, the Government requested submissions from industry, stakeholders and interested parties on their feedback and views on the net zero roadmap. Feedback will inform potential pathways for transport and transport infrastructure to support the decarbonisation of the sector.  

Urbis is pleased to have provided our response to the Government on the Transport and Infrastructure Net Zero Consultation Roadmap. Our response presents our insights and recommendations to enhance the roadmap, addressing the challenges up to 2030 and beyond.

Our submission has focused on the key areas of expertise and capabilities within Urbis, including:

  • The principle of avoid, shift and improve within the transportation sector.
  • The movement of people by promoting active and public transport.
  • The need and methods to decarbonise road vehicles, freight and supply chains.
  • Infrastructure investment policy.
  • The role of spatial planning and transport orientated design in decarbonising transport.
  • Achieving net zero in partnership with private industry.

For the Australian Government to show global leadership and encourage global investment, there is a need for aspirations and stretch targets that align with countries leading in the transport decarbonisation sector. By establishing clear targets and metrics, the Australian Government can eliminate ambiguity, supporting the industry and regulators to understand requirements and accurately monitor and measure progress towards transport decarbonisation.

The Transport and Infrastructure sector plan is an important step in building confidence and furthering investment in the energy and systems infrastructure that will be required for net zero transportation in Australia. It should also ensure unison and synergy to other sectorial plans that are being developed by the Australian Government for the Net Zero Plan, ensuring that there is a clear and robust roadmap towards a zero emissions transport future.   

To remain competitive globally, Australia must embrace and accelerate transport decarbonisation.  As the world shifts towards a net zero economy, countries that delay or are slow in adopting green technologies risk falling behind in economic and technological advancements. 

If you would like to discuss our response or net zero transport, please contact our team.

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