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New South Wales 'to cut emissions by 70 per cent by 2035'

The NSW Government has announced the target ahead of the State's upcoming election

23 Dec 2022, 03:07 pm

Henry Man

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Snapshot

NSW Gov targets 70 per cent emissions reduction by 2035 ahead of election
Only 20 per cent cut promised over five years from 2030
Aims for EVs to make up at least 50 per cent of new car sales by 2030

The New South Wales Government has committed to reducing overall pollution by 70 per cent below 2005 levels by 2035, with electric vehicles playing a key role.

That only represents a 20 per cent emissions cut targeted over five years since the state has already promised a 50 per cent reduction below 2005 levels by 2030.

Treasurer Matt Kean announced the policy today just three months out of the state election where the Liberal Party is facing tough competition from eco-conscious independent ‘teal’ candidates as seen with this year’s Queensland and Federal elections.

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The Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) lobbying group has commended NSW for leading the electrification transition push in Australia.

"The NSW Government has been quicker than others to recognise if you want to hit proper emission reduction targets you need strong measures to transition to electric vehicles," EVC CEO Behyad Jafari said.

"For the past two years they have been the Electric Vehicle Council's top-rated state in terms of policy action to support EV take up.

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"New South Wales is currently the only state with a targeted fleet incentive and, although there is much work to do, it leads the country in terms of policies to support rolling out charging infrastructure in apartments.”

According to Reuters, Victoria and South Australia have identical 2030 targets, while Queensland has only said it’ll reduce emissions by 30 per cent below 2005 levels by the end of the decade.

The Australian Capital Territory aims to cut emissions by 65 to 75 per cent of 1990 levels by 2030 and Tasmania leads the country by committing to net zero by 2030.

Western Australia and the Northern Territory don’t currently have set any emissions reduction targets.

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What EV policies are currently in NSW?

Since passing an EV bill in October 2021, NSW has benefited from a range of incentives and investments to encourage the EV transition.

The Liberal-led state government has targeted for EVs to make up at least 50 per cent of all new cars sold by 2030.

For electric car owners	For the public
$3000 rebate for the first 25,000 battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEV) sold under $68,750 – including delivery charge and optional extras	More than $100 million supporting local councils, rideshare and car rental companies to transition to EVs
Removing stamp duty on BEVs and FCEVs under $78,000	NSW Government’s 20,000 vehicle fleet will be all-electric by 2030, with a 50 per cent target for 2026
Free stamp duty on BEVs and FCEVs under $78,000	$171 million investment in public EV charging infrastructure
Registration fee discounts	$3 billion plan to support electric buys manufacturing, charging and fleet conversion
Permitted to use T2 and T3 transit lanes – until October 31, 2023
Road user charge tax of 2.5c/km for EVs or 2.0c/km for PHEVs – but will be introduced on July 1, 2027 or 30 per cent of new vehicle sales (whichever occurs first)