Queensland embraces Zero Emission Heavy Vehicles

• The Miles Government has paved the way for electric heavy vehicles to take to Queensland’s highways, cutting pollution and reducing emissions in supply chains.
• The Zero Emission Heavy Vehicle Network Map has been developed and focuses on ZEHV access from the South-East corner of the state, extending from the New South Wales border at the Gold Coast to Bundaberg and as far west as Toowoomba and Warwick.   
• The Map is the first in a series to identify which parts of the South East Qld road network can best accommodate ZEHV’s with steer axle masses of up to 8 tonnes.

The Miles Government is 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.

The Miles Government has developed an evidence-based approach for the heavy vehicle industry in the adoption of 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.

Quotes attributable to the Transport and Main Roads Minister Bart Mellish:

“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."

Quotes attributable to Minister Mick de Brenni, Minister for Energy, and Clean Economy Jobs:

“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.”

Quotes attributable to Martin Merrick, President, and CEO of Volvo Group Australia.

“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.”

ENDS

Media contact – Minister Mellish office – 0419 288 284