The draft Strategy needs to address the neglected transport energy sector, and consider ways that transport energy needs can be met most efficiently, effectively and sustainably. In addition to the environmental issues associated with climate change mitigation, it is imperative that the state government addresses potential economic and social welfare risks associated with transport issues. In particular, addressing Tasmania’s vulnerability to energy oil supply disruptions and price volatility requires a comprehensive, integrated response. Figure 3 Climate Tasmania considers that there are many opportunities for the Energy Strategy to incorporate transport energy issues via infrastructure choices, public education, transport fee schedules, budget allocations and urban and regional planning issues. The creation of liveable cities and a focus on healthy living via active transport offer major scope for strategies that help to trigger fundamental changes in travel behaviours. Further, electric vehicles also promise a strong synergy with Tasmania’s renewable electricity supply. Recent research in Australia (for example for Moreland Council in Victoria) shows a positive business case for replacing conventional light vehicles with electric vehicles. There is an important role for government – amongst others in helping to reduce the factor’ associated with any technical innovation, by adopting – ‘fear EVs in their own fleets (including GBEs); encouraging private fleets, local government fleets and private car hire companies to also integrate EVs into their fleets; and monitoring and publishing data on operational cost savings and related issues. We note that where anxiety’ is a consideration, plug-in hybrid EVs (PiHEVs) ‘range are available and increasing the vehicle of choice, at least pending further development of very high energy density batteries. Climate Tasmania acknowledges the good work undertaken by the Tasmanian government, local governments and the community sector in progressively educating the community on opportunities to reduce energy consumption. This work should be replicated so that Tasmanian citizens, businesses and government agencies become much more aware of: their travel energy consumption; and  opportunities to reduce costs and environmental impacts associated with transport energy.  Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the draft Strategy. Please do not hesitate to contact Phil Harrington or Chris Harries to discuss Climate Tasmania’s views in greater detail. Kind regards, Phil Harrington Co-Chair, Climate Tasmania (0419 106 449)
The draft Strategy needs to address the neglected transport energy sector, and consider ways that transport energy needs can be met most efficiently, effectively and sustainably. In addition to the environmental issues associated with climate change mitigation, it is imperative that the state government addresses potential economic and social welfare risks associated with transport issues. In particular, addressing Tasmania’s vulnerability to energy oil supply disruptions and price volatility requires a comprehensive, integrated response. Figure 3 Climate Tasmania considers that there are many opportunities for the Energy Strategy to incorporate transport energy issues via infrastructure choices, public education, transport fee schedules, budget allocations and urban and regional planning issues. The creation of liveable cities and a focus on healthy living via active transport offer major scope for strategies that help to trigger fundamental changes in travel behaviours. Further, electric vehicles also promise a strong synergy with Tasmania’s renewable electricity supply. Recent research in Australia (for example for Moreland Council in Victoria) shows a positive business case for replacing conventional light vehicles with electric vehicles. There is an important role for government – amongst others – in helping to reduce the ‘fear factor’ associated with any technical innovation, by adopting EVs in their own fleets (including GBEs); encouraging private fleets, local government fleets and private car hire companies to also integrate EVs into their fleets; and monitoring and publishing data on operational cost savings and related issues. We note that where ‘range anxiety’ is a consideration, plug-in hybrid EVs (PiHEVs) are available and increasing the vehicle of choice, at least pending further development of very high energy density batteries. Climate Tasmania acknowledges the good work undertaken by the Tasmanian government, local governments and the community sector in progressively educating the community on opportunities to reduce energy consumption. This work should be replicated so that Tasmanian citizens, businesses and government agencies become much more aware of:  their travel energy consumption; and  opportunities to reduce costs and environmental impacts associated with transport energy. Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the draft Strategy. Please do not hesitate to contact Phil Harrington or Chris Harries to discuss Climate Tasmania’s views in greater detail. Kind regards, Phil Harrington Co-Chair, Climate Tasmania (0419 106 449)
Climate_Tasmania_Submission.DOCX