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5 Environment

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5.1(c) Introduction (29 June 1998)

The environmental policies are based on the following philosophy:

• although Australia's contribution to global environmental pollution is very small, Australia has a responsibility to address global concerns;

• government, industry and individuals must accept their responsibilities in tackling environmental concerns;

• policy options should take into account all social, economic and environmental impacts, and be based upon facts and knowledge gained from well-researched evidence;

• although it is recognised that motor vehicles contribute to environmental concerns, their contribution must be kept in perspective;

• there must be a balanced and equitable approach to environmental counter measures;

• environmental controls must be balanced with the need to maintain personal mobility and the movement of freight;

• environmental controls must be based on well researched scientific evidence;

• measures aimed at reducing greenhouse gases and ozone depleting substances must be consistent with global initiatives;

• a well planned, constructed and maintained road system, integrated with other transport modes will provide environmental benefits.

5.2 Energy

5.2.1(c)Conservation of energy sources (28 October 2002)

RAC recognises that:

1. Australia's and the world's crude oil reserves are limited.

2. Currently no alternative transport fuels are available at a reasonable price to alter significantly the dependence on petroleum and natural gas fuels.

It is therefore essential that in order to ensure the changeover to replacement fuels occurs with a minimal disruption to society that:

• Exploration for new reserves is encouraged

• Existing crude oil supplies should be extended through research and development to improve the efficiency of extraction and refining, and reduce the consumption of petroleum

• Government needs to encourage measures that reduce vehicle fuel consumption

5.2.2(c) Alternative fuels (28 October 2002)

Government and industry should encourage research into the practical, economic and sustainable replacement of petroleum and gas fuels by alternative energy sources.

The cost of alternative energy sources must not be subject to long term subsidy by Government.

5.2.3(c) Funding energy research (28 October 2002)

Government and industry should encourage research into energy conservation and ways of minimising the adverse effects of energy use in transport.

5.2.4(c) Energy education (28 October 2002)

Government and industry should promote community education on the need to conserve oil reserves and use energy efficiently.

5.3 Air pollution

5.3.1 Control of air pollution (27 May 1991)

Governments must ensure the implementation of balanced, cost-effective programmes based on objective research and realistic goals to reduce air pollution from all sources.

5.3.2(c) Vehicle emission control (29 June 1998)

Australian vehicle emission controls should be equivalent to world's best practice and designed to satisfy objective and realistic health goals.

5.3.3(c) Vehicle emissions management (26 April 2000)

The RAC supports the introduction of a scheme for the regular checking of vehicle emissions provided that it can be substantiated that the benefits exceed the costs.  Any scheme would need to minimise inconvenience to motorists.

5.4 Greenhouse gases

5.4.1(c) Reduction of greenhouse gases (29 June 1998)

The 'United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties' held in Kyoto (Japan, December 1997) advocates a cut of 5.2% in 1990 CO2 emissions by 2008-2012.  The out come of the Kyoto Conference is supported (A range of targets were set for individual nations.  Australia was permitted to increase fossil fuel emissions by 8% above 1990 levels by 2008-2012).

Implementation of cost-effective and equitable strategies to control CO2 emissions is supported.  Support is provided for the concept of carbon sequestration.

5.4.2(c) Vehicle industry contribution to reducing greenhouse gases (19 May 1998)

The vehicle industry should be encouraged to develop more fuel efficient vehicles which will consequently lower greenhouse gas emissions.

High volume vehicle manufacturers should also be encouraged to have in their product range at least one vehicle model with a fuel consumption of 3 litres per 100km, by the year 2005.

5.4.3 Education on greenhouse gases (27 May 1991)

Community education on the contribution of vehicles to greenhouse gases and the actions road users can take to reduce these gases should be promoted.

5.4.4 Research into greenhouse gases (27 May 1991)

Australia's involvement in global research to increase current understanding of climatic changes, the contribution of greenhouse gases and the options available for reducing emission of greenhouse gases is supported.

5.5 Ozone depletion

5.5.1 Elimination of ozone depleting gases (27 May 1991)

The 1987 Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, which established a timetable for phasing out the use of ozone depleting gases, and the Federal Government objective to eliminate these gases as soon as practicable are supported.

5.5.2(c) Vehicle industry contribution to eliminate ozone depleting substances (29 June 1998)

Ozone depleting substances used in the manufacture and maintenance of vehicles and vehicle accessories should be controlled and replaced with substances causing zero ozone depletion.  These replacement substances should not have a greater global warming potential than the substances they replace.  Safety should not be compromised.

Chlorofluorocarbons should be effectively recycled until replacement by alternatives is achieved.

5.5.3 Education on ozone depleting gases (27 May 1991)

Community education on the contribution of vehicles to ozone depleting gases and the actions that can be taken to reduce these gases should be promoted.

5.6 Vehicle noise

5.6.1 Traffic noise levels (21 December 1992 services and traffic committee)

Target noise levels associated with road traffic should be monitored and regularly reviewed to take account of current knowledge of the health effects of traffic noise, community expectations, noise attenuation technology and economic viability.

Road design should incorporate cost-effective measure to achieve agreed target noise levels.

5.6.2 Noise levels for new vehicles (21 December 1992 services and traffic committee)

European Community (EC) noise standards for all classes of vehicles should be written into the relevant Australian Design Rules (ADRs) so that new vehicles are required to comply with the standards no later than one year after the EC implementation date.

5.6.3 Heavy vehicle engine/exhaust brakes (21 December 1992 services and traffic committee)

Australian Design Rules should be amended to require engine/exhaust brakes to be no noisier in operation than the vehicle's allowed exhaust noise level.

Regulations should be introduced by all States prohibiting the use of engine/exhaust brakes in built-up areas for vehicles not covered by the relevant ADR.

5.6.4(c) Enforcement of in-service vehicle noise levels (29 June 1998)

Effective programmes for ensuring that in-service vehicles continue to meet legislated noise levels should be established and policed by appropriate State authorities with particular attention to excessively noisy vehicles.

5.6.5 Research and development (21 December 1992 services and traffic committee)

There should be further research into tyre and low-noise pavement surface design, in order to reduce noise associated with tyre/road  interaction.

5.6.6 Planning controls (21 December 1992 services and traffic committee)

Relevant authorities should ensure new developments near road reservations or existing major routes are designed to minimise the impacts of existing and/or future traffic noise levels.

5.7 Roads in the environment

5.7.1 Strategic planning (27 May 1991)

Strategic development plans should aim to integrate roads, public transport, land use and environment.

5.7.2 Planning, design, construction and maintenance of roads (27 May 1991)

The planning, design, construction and maintenance of roads should have regard to economic, social and environmental impacts.

5.7.3 Conserving fuel and reducing vehicle emissions (27 May 1991)

Road and traffic management initiatives which increase road transport efficiency and thereby reduce fuel consumption and vehicle emissions should be implemented.

5.7.4 Role of road design in reducing noise (27 May 1991)

Road design should incorporate cost-effective measures to achieve acceptable noise levels.

Noise levels for roads should be monitored and reviewed regularly in the light of current knowledge of the health effects of traffic noise.

5.7.5 Landscaping of road reserves (27 May 1991)

Areas adjacent to roads should, having regard to road safety requirements, be developed to be compatible with immediate environs.

5.7.6 Rural roadsides (27 May 1991)

Where rural roadsides contain the only remaining areas of native flora and fauna, they should, having regard for road safety requirements, be preserved where possible.

5.8 Areas of environmental importance

5.8.1 Conservation of areas of environmental importance (27 May 1991)

The use of areas of significant environmental importance should be restricted to those activities compatible with the environmental values of the area.

Areas of environmental importance should be classified according to the perceived degree of protection or preservation necessary.

5.8.2 Access to areas of environmental importance (27 May 1991)

Any area of environmental significance to which vehicular and public access is permitted should be subject to appropriate regulations.  These regulations should be effectively enforced.
 
Roads in these areas should be compatible with the type and number of vehicles permitted access.

Motorists using these areas should be educated and encouraged to conserve the natural environment and preserve heritage features.