The distribution of the Building Australia Fund is an ideal opportunity to provide the infrastructure required for Australia’s entry into a sustainable future, Total Environment Centre urged today in its submission to the Fund. “This building fund is a once in a generation opportunity. These funds can be used in the areas that matter to Australians, such as public and freight transport opportunities and upgrading electricity and energy efficiency,” said TEC’s Director Jeff Angel. “The first area that could benefit from these funds is the commissioning of large scale, zero emissions, baseload power plants. This greenhouse emission reducing technology is already available and being installed around the world and it is crucial that any future power plants be zero emission generators.” “Energy efficiency is the fastest and most cost effective means of reducing Australia’s emissions but it requires significant infrastructure investment. The creation of a “smart electricity grid” is critical, as is the fast-tracking of the roll-out of smart meters into households and the prioritisation of demand management.” “Another area that could greatly benefit from these funds is public transport infrastructure along future and existing metropolitan growth corridors. If Australia is to address the rapid growth of greenhouse gas emissions, commuters need to be encouraged away from car travel and towards public transport.” “And it’s not just the public transport sector that needs a re-haul, the freight transport sector – which has recently outstripped personal travel in terms of emissions, increasing 40% since 1990 – also needs to be encouraged to shift from road based transport to rail and coastal shipping options.” “If Australia is to achieve meaningful reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, the Australian Building Fund needs to be allocated with the environment’s best interests in mind. Future investment in all of the above sectors can successfully achieve meaningful reductions,” said Mr. Angel. To read TEC's submission letter click here | 
