A landmark zero emissions agreement has just been signed between the ACT Emergency Services Agency and Volvo Group Australia.
The agreement, which places VGA as preferred supplier of zero emissions heavy vehicles to the ESA, is believed to be a first for an Australian emergency services agency and firmly places both parties on the road to a fossil free future.
“The journey towards a zero emissions future isn’t just accelerating globally and that journey is fast gathering pace here in Australia.” said Martin Merrick, President and CEO Volvo group Australia,
“Collaborations like the one we have just announced with the ACTESA are vital to help decarbonise our world and I applaud the agency for its commitment to being a part of this journey with us,” he said.
“We are very aware of the trust placed in us to fulfil this role.”
“Every day around the world lives depend on our vehicles, and we look forward to that trust evolving towards an emissions free environment to improve the lives of many more.”
Emergency service support vehicles with zero-emissions capability are not currently available on the market.
“The fulfillment of this contract will position the ESA as a leader in Australia for zero-emissions operational support vehicles,” says ACTESA Commissioner Georgeina Whelan.
“At its core, the ACTESA strives to ensure the safety of our community, staff and volunteers. Making the transition to a sustainable fleet, subsequently contributing to the wellbeing of Canberrans and our environment, aligns with this key commitment,” she said.
For over 50 years, Volvo Group Australia has been manufacturing trucks in Wacol, Queensland.
Volvo Trucks’ production facility in Wacol employs more than 700 people directly in the production process, supported by over 60 dedicated engineers.
Volvo Trucks has committed to being fossil-fuel free by 2040 with production of electric trucks expected to begin at the Wacol site during 2025.
Earlier in the week, the Australian Capital Territory Government announced a plan to phase out light internal combustion engines by 2035.
Under Australia’s first policy to phase out fossil fuel powered cars, it set an ambitious target of 80-90 per cent of new light vehicles sales being zero emission vehicles by 2030.
“Australia has long been stuck in the slow lane when it comes to electric transport uptake, but the ACT’s game-changing policy to phase out new fossil fuel powered cars is a welcome step forward,” said Climate Councillor Andrew Stock.
“The ACT has set the bar for the rest of the country in reducing emissions from light passenger vehicle fleets, while also delivering lower pollution levels and a reduced reliance on expensive petrol.”
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