Electric Ute Roadshow comes to Northern Rivers this week

BY KATE COXALL

Pump prices getting you down? Have you considered going electric? Would a Ute run by your own electricity supply, spark your interest? Northern Rivers residents can find the details for the Electric Ute Roadshow, which is travelling through the region, starting with Grafton, tomorrow, Tuesday 21 May at 5:30pm and Lismore on Thursday at 5:30pm on the Solar Citizens website: https:// www.solarcitizens. org.au/Solar Citizens is an independent, community-based organisation working to protect and grow renewable energy and clean transport in Australia. Their roadshow is in part, a response to what they say is not enough, in the Federal budget, for clean transport addressing the cost of living crisis.

In response to what they say, is the significant lack of focus on clean transport spending within this Federal Budget, Solar Citizens National Director Heidi Lee Douglas said “although the organisation warmly welcomed investment in clean energy in the budget, she hopes that the government soon starts to deliver on the significant opportunity for cost-of-living savings from clean transport”.

“Rising fuel prices due to Russia’s war in Ukraine have left Australians dealing with record high fuel prices at the petrol pump. High fuel prices are especially bad for regional Australians, who on average drive further, have older, more inefficient cars, and pay more at the petrol pump than people in cities. This means a higher portion of regional Australians’ income is being guzzled up and sent offshore to foreign oil barons,” said Douglas.

“In addition to its commitments to a Fuel Efficiency Standard and charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, this Government should now focus on ways to secure smart, effective cost-of-living savings for Australians from clean transport.

“We can essentially eliminate household fuel bills if we marry electric vehicles with the rollout of more home solar, enabled by the low-interest loans for energy-saving home upgrades in this Federal Budget. This would be a massive saving for Australians’ hip pockets amid ever-rising household costs.

“In addition to what’s already included in the program, the Federal Government should extend the low-interest loans for energy-saving home upgrades to e-bikes. Households could see huge savings by swapping out their second car for an e-bike, and also reduce congestion on our roads and carbon emissions.”

Earlier this month, it was announced that Transport Minister Catherine King would conduct a 90-day review into infrastructure projects, to assess which projects are the highest priorities for Australia’s national interest.

“We welcome Minister King’s 90-day review into infrastructure projects, and urge her to address ways that sensible, long-sighted transport decisions can help reduce cost-of-living,” said Douglas. “We urge the Government to prioritise walking, cycling, and public transport infrastructure when assessing projects during this review – putting people and the planet first. “Building and widening urban freeways encourages more driving, causes congestion and carbon emissions, and is an expensive option for households while petrol prices skyrocket. Instead, building more walking, cycling and public transport infrastructure gives people a low-cost, low-carbon and healthy alternative to driving, while also reducing congestion”

“Solar Citizens supports the Climate Council’s call for 50% of the transport budget to be spent on public transport and 20% to be spent on walking and cycling, but any shift in this direction would be very welcome.”

The Federal budget commitments for clean transport include:

Reducing Transport Emissions

The Government will provide $20.9 million over 5 years from 2022–23 for initiatives to decarbonise the transport and infrastructure sectors and support achieving the net zero by 2050 target. Funding includes:

• $7.8 million over 4 years from 2022–23 to develop a Transport and Infrastructure Net

Zero Roadmap and Action Plan to support the $7.4 million over 4 years from 2023–24 to develop Fuel Efficiency Standards to encourage light vehicle manufacturers to increase the supply of fuel efficient and electric vehicles in the Australian market

• $5.2 million over 4 years from 2023–24 to support Australia’s transition to electric vehicles through the development of a national charging infrastructure mapping tool, safety guidance and training for emergency service workers. Funding will also support the evaluation of requirements for retrofitting existing multiresidential buildings with electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and a large format battery recycling, reuse and stewardship initiative in Australia

• $0.6 million in 2023–24 to develop a Maritime Emissions Reduction National Plan to facilitate the energy transition for the domestic maritime sector.

Discover The Beautiful Northern Rivers

There’s nothing like discovering the hidden gems off the main highway, places you can take the family and relax, eat, create memories and have experiences you hadn’t even thought about let alone making them a reality. Get away for a week or even a weekend to rejuvenate you mind, body and spirit. The Northern Rivers Region has an abundance of almost secret spots if we set out to see them. Our creeks and rivers, forests and beaches are second to none and once you’ve been you will return time and time again. Along the way there’s plenty to see and do, the landscape is a pleasure to drive through with rolling fields, hills and mountains, along the magnificent coastal beaches taking in the Tweed, Byron, Lennox, Ballina and beyond.

Enjoy sumptuous food, gorgeous surrounds, crystal clear water, white sand and the flora and fauna will take your breath away. Whether your looking for an action packed holiday or simply some peace and serenity, Northern New South Wales has it all. Call in to quaint Murwillumbah and check out Belle M Boutiques winter line then cruise through to the Chillingham Store where an array of treats awaits you. Pop out to Tyalgum and visit the Tyalgum Hotel or Mariefields Farmstay, through to Uki for lunch at Mavis Kitchen, through Burringbar to Tweed Valley Cheese, down to Clunes and stay a few nights at Nutting Hill Villa, the ultimate in luxury. You can stock up on goodies at Clunes Store for your stay. Spend the day at Invercauld House at Goonellabah, rest and relax at Clarence Valley Wilderness Lodge at Tabulam where the kids can go wild in nature or gorgeous Hidden Valley Tea Gardens and Camping at Loadstone. A visit to Clay Corner in Kyogle is a must while out this way.

The Tyalgum Hotel threw open the doors to the excitement of the Tyalgum Village – in time for summer with a revitalised Bistro, Bar, Pool and Accommodation.

Tyalgum, a picturesque village, was once a must do for the Gold Coast and Brisbane drive market, however road closures has led to tourism suffering for overtwelve months, and it looked as though things were about to get much worse when the only pub in town closed the doors last August.

However, a last-minutereprieve and a hands on, intensive renovation that could have given the Block a run for its money has seen the pub relaunched to a welcoming community, with three chefs in the kitchen and a focus on supporting local producers.

The hotel website is now live at Tyalgumhotel.com

With the official opening by Janelle Saffin MP on January 25 at 11 am a new chapter of supporting live music, excellent bistro meals, revitalised accommodation, cold beers and providing a focal point for the community begins.

39 Coolman Street, Tyalgum NSW 2484

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