Sustainable transport guide for Southbankers

According to the Climate Change Authority, greenhouse gas emissions from transport have been increasing in Australia every year since 1990 (except 2020 as a result of the COVID restrictions). Road transport accounts for about 85 per cent of transport emissions or about 16 per cent of Australia’s total emissions.

Opportunities exist to reduce these transport emissions especially if you are commuting to work, study, or play, as is the case for many Southbankers. We have recently posted a guide on our Facebook page to help you make your transport choices more sustainable.

Residents in Southbank are lucky to have a diverse range of public transport options within easy walking distance, meaning owning a car is not essential for most people.

As Southbank Sustainability Group member Chris Jubb has pointed out in the guide, even with a carbon heavy electricity grid (which is becoming less carbon intensive over time) using public transport produces a lot less emissions per person than using a car.

Electric cars are becoming more common in Australia. It can be expected that this will also be the case in Southbank. As the grid becomes greener these cars will also be far less emissions intensive.

Residents in apartment buildings need to start asking their building manager or owners’ corporation how they plan to accommodate the transition to electric vehicles.

For many Southbank residents, bicycles and scooters can also be a viable transport option with little or no emissions, however, if they are not ridden in a responsible manner, they put fellow commuters at risk.

So, if you are using a bicycle or a scooter follow the rules and stay off the footpaths so as not to give these clean and environmentally efficient modes of transport a bad name.

Last month, I discussed a range of matters related to energy costs and environmental considerations. The City of Melbourne has work under way to provide residents with access to affordable renewable energy through a network of neighbourhood batteries around the city.

If you are interested in this project more information can be found at participate.melbourne.vic.gov.au/power-melbourne

It has been great to hear from readers of this column that you are finding the discussion of different sustainability issues helpful. We are always keen to know what interests you. So, do email and let us know [email protected]

It has also been great to see many new members at the Saturday meetups at the community gardens at the Boyd Community Hub. We will be meeting at 10am on April 15 and 29 for some gardening and to catch up. We look forward to seeing you there.

About the group

Southbank Sustainability Group is a solutions-focused community group of Southbank residents working to bring positive change in sustainability practices. Reach us at [email protected] or facebook.com/SouthbankSustainabilityGroup •