#GreatNewsThursday: Mayor Cr Laura Binks joins forces to call on Federal Government for Fuel Efficiency Standards

Strathbogie Shire Council Mayor Cr Laura Binks is one of 121 Mayors and Councillors to participate in the City Powers Project’s call to the Federal Government for Fuel Efficiency Standards (FES).

“We’re calling on the Australian Government to implement FES that will secure a pipeline of affordable lower and zero emissions vehicles for Australian communities, Councils and business fleets,” Cr Binks said.

Cr Binks explained what FES involved.

“A FES increases the supply of Electric Vehicles (EVs), and other efficient petrol and diesel vehicles, including affordable models already available in other countries,” she said.

“Because lots of large companies and governments buy cars in bulk and only hang onto their cars for a limited time, a bigger initial supply of EVs will lead to an expanded second-hand market a few years down the track, meaning more Australians will be able to get behind the wheel of an EV.”

Cr Binks explained that having affordable electric vehicles for Australian communities will be unlikely without FES.

“Local governments are doing what we can to switch to EVs, but our hands are tied. A lack of supply to Australia, and the strong federal policy to drive it, makes it difficult to transition our fleets, therefore limiting the availability of second-hand vehicles to communities,” she said.

“We are urging the Federal Government to support our access to EVs by legislating strong FES.

“World-class FES would bring more low and zero emissions vehicles to Australian shores. This will accelerate the transition for councils – and with fleet vehicles entering the second-hand market after three to five years, this ensures communities have access to the best technology at a fair price.”