The EV Expo and Street Festival, this Sunday 18th June, plays an important role in community action to help achieve net zero emissions in the Noosa Shire by 2026.
Stationery energy (electricity) accounts for about 58% of emissions sources with transport accounting for 32% and waste about 10%.
The energy we use in our daily lives is the main source of our emissions. Households represent the biggest chunk of emissions in our domestic economy. Not only are our vehicles responsible for the largest portion of household emissions but they are also, according to Saul Griffith (author of “The Big Switch” and “The Wires That Bind”), the largest portion of an average household’s energy budget (expenditure on vehicle fuels).
So, in these days of cost-of-living pressures, doesn’t it make sense to “electrify the home” including the switch to electric vehicles?
The rapid development of emissions reduction strategies and plans at all levels of government has placed increased focus on the uptake of electric vehicles and the part that they play in reducing emissions.
While electric vehicles make up less than 4% of new vehicle sales in Australia (according to the national industry body, the Electric Vehicle Council) it estimates that there are about 100,000 electric vehicles on Australian roads. That uptake will take off especially if fuel efficiency standards are implemented, as expected.
Help is also at hand from the Federal and State governments.
The Federal Government launched its electric vehicle strategy in September 2022 and in November 2022 legislation passed through the Federal parliament which provides up to $2000 off the purchase price of battery-electric and plug in hybrid vehicles, as well as Fringe Benefit Tax exemptions for fleet and novated leases.
In April this year the Queensland Government announced extra financial assistance as part of an ongoing scheme to make electric vehicles more affordable for Queenslanders. The rebate for eligible households has been increased from $3000 to $6000.
So now is a good time to consider. What better opportunity than to head down to Noosa Junction this Sunday to see what’s on offer and to have those questions answered.
There’ll be an impressive range of electric vehicles on display, including e-bikes and scooters, motorbikes, cars and even an electric four-door ‘ute’. You’ll also have the opportunity to test ride some e-bikes and e-scooters. In its fifth year, the Expo is presented by Zero Emissions Noosa, Inc. and supported by Noosa Council and the Noosa Junction Association, in addition to a wide range of sponsors.
The EV Expo and Street Festival will be held on Sunday from 10.00 am until 2.00pm and Sunshine Beach Road, Noosa Junction will be closed for the event.
Plan ahead to get to the event. Leave the car at home and take the free bus or ride your bike or walk there.
That will help reduce emissions!
