Mayor’s call for Fuel Efficiency Standard (FES) a success

The Federal Government has announced funding toward implementing a Fuel Efficiency Standard (FES) after calls from Mayor Cr Laura Binks and other Mayors and Councillors through the City Powers Project.

The recent announcement of the Federal Budget contained $7.4 million over four years to implement a FES that can help unlock affordable electric vehicles (EV) for Australians.

Strathbogie Shire Council Mayor Cr Laura Binks said the news was an exciting step towards increasing Australia’s supply of affordable EVs.

“A FES increases the supply of 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.”

Head of Advocacy at the Climate Council Dr Jennifer Rayner said Australia needed a strong fuel efficiency standard to deliver cleaner cars that are cheaper to run.

“The new funding in the Federal Budget is a great sign of the government’s commitment to delivering one, now we need to crack on with designing it,” Dr Rayner said.

Strathbogie Shire Council advocates to both the State and Federal Governments for funding to not only improve our own community, but for projects that will also benefit the entire state and country.

“I am incredibly proud of the work we continue to do each and every day when it comes to advocacy,” Cr Binks said.

“In my role, I am grateful to have the opportunity to meet and network with a number of Ministers and continue to raise awareness for the challenges of Strathbogie Shire residents and beyond.”