The premise behind the discussion paper is that ‘we must plan to leave oil before it leaves us’, that Council has a responsibility to respond to the concerns created by Peak Oil and demonstrate leadership by taking practical steps to address the issue.
The paper concludes that ‘the demand for oil is increasing at an unsustainable rate and already demand out-strips supply. Soon we will reach Peak Oil, if we have not already, when production will decline and the cost of petrol will rise perhaps dramatically”
The Sensible Transport Forum Working Group urges Council to consider a range of practical measures to manage a transition into the post oil era that include
- Reducing Council’s reliance on oil, minimising consumption and dependence and educating the community by demonstrating leadership in fuel economy and the search for alternatives.
- Promoting alternative fuels e.g hybrids for fleet cars and Compressed Natural Gas or biodisel for garbage trucks
- Downsizing council cars and reviewing usage
- Preparing oil vulnerability maps to assist in planning
- Promoting public transport through higher residential densities along public transport corridors and town centres
- Preserving and protecting disused rail corridors for future public transport options
- Promoting walkable neighbourhoods
- Exploring ways to promote community transport and investigating ways to better utilise the existing small buses serving local retirement villages and creating community carpooling schemes
- More bus shelters
- More cycleways
- Introducing bike racks on the front of local buses
- Promoting and encouraging community gardens and farmers markets
- Protecting good agricultural land
- Working towards integrated public transport ticketing in the Lower Hunter.
No comments:
Post a Comment