NSW net-zero policy released for road and rail

The New South Wales Government has launched its Towards Net Zero Emissions Freight Policy that focuses on reducing the carbon footprint created by heavy road vehicles and rail freight.

The new policy will see the State Government work together with industry to support the transition to low and zero emission technologies, and to ensure the transport network is ready to adapt as technology and solutions evolve.

The first step will see a two-year trial to give extra mass zero emission heavy vehicles, which weigh more due to their batteries, access to the state road network. This means the industry can invest in the technology without sacrificing the payloads that underpin the freight business.

An online comparison tool has also been developed to support the transition, providing a free resource for the freight industry to source accurate information on the cost and environmental benefits of low and zero emission vehicles.

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Freight accounts for 25 per cent of total transport greenhouse gases in NSW, and with demand projected to rise by 34 per cent by 2061.

Premier Chris Minns said the policy was an important step toward achieving net zero.

“Reducing freight emissions requires a genuine partnership between government and industry. We’re always going to need a freight sector to get the essentials from A to B, so we need to make sure our freight industry is sustainable over the long term,” he said.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said the State Government would help to address challenges for regional freight in achieving net zero.

“By working directly with industry we will be able to support them in accessing this innovative technology and ensure regional operators can access the benefits of the transition,” Aitchison said.