19 February 2021
Media: NZME (Rotorua Daily Post and BOP Times)
Topic: Transport-related climate change action
Enquiry
I am writing a story on the proposal by the Government to take action on climate change. This story is based around transport and a move to electric vehicles or biofuels. The Government says it wants to ensure a transition to a zero carbon and climate-resilient economy and society that also optimises economic development opportunities. It is also committing $50 million to help councils fully decarbonise the public transport fleet by 2035. I have some questions . . . (I have also sent this to the regional council as I'm not sure who has the buses.
How many public buses service Rotorua?
How many of them are electric or are in the process of being decarbonised?
What does the council think about the government's proposal and despite the funding are ratepayers likely to pick up any of this tab and how much?
As a council in regard to electric vehicles how many are currently in the fleet - compared to how many are petrol or diesel?
Are there any plans for council cars to all be electric and when could this happen?
Plus, what other initiatives does council have in place to lower transport emissions - including e-bikes and scoooters?
Response
The following information and comment was provided:
Please note the link below to our Climate Action Plan and regarding buses, yes you will need to go to the regional council as they are responsible for that:
From Mayor Steve Chadwick:
We are in the final stages of adopting a Climate Action Plan and transportation and modal shift is an important component.
We are very aware of what we need to do as a community. There is also a lot that needs to be led regionally or by Central Government and I think some form of incentives are needed to support and encourage the switch to electric cars.
Many actions in our plan are already underway and now part of business-as-usual, but we will look to leverage any available Government contributions - as we already are in developing our cycling/shared pathways network.
Our plan was developed with community input and our emissions reduction targets align with national targets. We want Rotorua to be well placed for national changes towards a low carbon economy and to ensure our community is resilient and able to adapt to unavoidable climate changes.
From Strategy Group Manager Jean-Paul Gaston:
The Rotorua Climate Action Plan sets goals and targets for both Council and others to lead across 5 key themes (including transportation and urban form) to help achieve targets and progress the district towards a low carbon future.
Transportation currently accounts for about 21% of greenhouse gas emissions in the Rotorua district.
Council is already active in addressing issues around climate change and this includes promoting cycling and walking (both internally and in the community), and developing facilities to support active transport (eg shared path network).
Council has replaced several fleet vehicles with an electric vehicle, four electric bikes and an electric scooter and these options are very popular with staff. With cost starting to become less of a barrier, we will be looking more to electric and hybrid vehicles in future as fleet cars become due for replacement.
Modal shift to walking, cycling and using the bus will have a positive impact on emission levels and as the district grows there will be opportunities to further encourage people to choose public and active transport options.
Other key information about the Rotorua Climate Action Plan:
-The plan will go to the Full Council for final approval next week (Thursday 25 February 2021)
-Through modal change to active and public transport, and encouraging a change from vehicle fuel to sustainable energy, we aim to reduce our emissions by up to 130,000 t CO2e by 2030 and by up to 280,000 t CO2e by 2050
-The plan is a starting point and will be a living document that will be adapted and changed as required, and as conversations continue with the community and sectors. Council and its Te Arawa partners will play a lead role in these ongoing conversations.
-Council is supportive of the electric vehicle movement and several years ago teamed up with Unison to install a charging station in Council's Haupapa Street carpark opposite Te Aka Mauri (Library and Child Health Hub)