Public and private transport operators are urgently calling for Australia to take a national approach to decarbonisation of their industry or risk failing to meet key climate targets.

Australia’s peak multi-modal transport body, the Tourism and Transport Forum (TTF) Australia, has released a new report today warning state and federal governments must immediately work together for the industry to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

The report, titled “The Road to Net Zero: Decarbonisation of the Surface Transport Sector”, which TTF commissioned from L.E.K Consulting, has found Australia is lagging behind other developed countries on decarbonisation of transport, concluding “existing policies continue to fall short of incentives by leading international jurisdictions”.

The report, unveiled today at TTF’s Green Revolution Summit in Sydney, has found some of the biggest policy gaps are currently in the freight sector, as much of Australia’s focus has been on transport that has been easier to decarbonise, such as cars, buses and inner city rail.

It recommends a “comprehensive and collaborative approach” between the Commonwealth and state governments on policy, financial incentives, systems and infrastructure to accelerate decarbonisation.

TTF CEO Margy Osmond warned swift action is needed.

“The private sector wants to decarbonise. Governments have our support to reduce emissions in transport but they need to work with the industry to make this happen,” Ms Osmond said.

“It’s encouraging to see the federal government’s recent progress on an Electric Vehicle strategy but their focus must be much broader. We need the Commonwealth to lead the way, collaborating with the states to introduce consistent, national strategies for all modes of transport.”

“A national approach would make it easier for businesses to navigate the transition to low-carbon transportation, giving them certainty to plan and invest. Without this, we don’t have any hope of meeting our climate goals.”

L.E.K. Consulting partner Natasha Santha said reducing emissions from surface transport would have a significant impact on Australia’s overall emissions.

“Surface transport accounts for about 17% of Australia’s carbon emissions and has grown by 14% since 2005,” Ms Santha said.

“Our report highlights several barriers to accelerating decarbonisation of transport. Our current policies and committed investments are insufficient to meet Australia’s carbon emission reduction targets. In addition to robust fuel efficiency standards, the focus needs to shift to the freight and commercial sectors, embracing new technology and facilitating greater use of PT and active modes.”

ENDS