Due to the regional nature of our Shire, we know that our community needs to travel long distances. However, at 37% of our communities' emissions, road transport is an area requiring some serious attention. Luckily there are some great opportunities and incentives that we can all consider to help care for our place!
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Information on Transport Options in our Shire
Walking and Bike Paths
New walk and bike trails are being constructed and connected into the existing infrastructure to support a more integrated, socially-inclusive and environmentally-friendly network. Existing paths are also being upgraded. Could you ride an electric bike to work, or perhaps leave the car at home on weekends and walk on one of our beautiful trails instead?
Electric Vehicles
You have probably noticed a significant increase in the number of electric vehicles on the road recently, but have you ever considered making the switch yourself?
Here are some incentives to investigate:
- The Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Rebate will provide you with a $3,500 rebate after purchasing an eligible vehicle and submitting an application form to the Department of Transport. Applications close midnight Saturday 10 May 2025.
- If you're a small to medium sized business or not-for-profit interested in installing EV chargers, the WA Government is co-funding up to 50% of the cost of electric vehicle charger installations across the state via the Charge Up Electric Vehicle Charging Grants.
As more people make the switch, the use of charging stations is rapidly increasing which is why electric vehicle charging infrastructure has been installed in Margaret River and Augusta. To find local charging spots, visit ChargeFox or PlugShare.
5 benefits of electric vehicles
Carpooling
Heading on a trip or meeting friends at an event? Could you consider carpooling instead of taking separate cars? The parking lots, roads and environment will thank you!
What the Shire is doing
- We are transitioning our fleet of vehicles and equipment away from fossil fuels
- Progressively transitioning the light Shire fleet of vehicles to electric vehicles (we have purchased seven new electric vehicles and are installing charging stations for our fleet with federal and state grants).
- Monitoring technological advances in heavy fleet and investigating electric or hydrogen alternatives and conversions
- Investigating alternative fuels for existing heavy fleet
- Progressively transition to electric and solar-powered equipment (i.e. mowers, blowers, snippers and more) as it becomes available and affordable
- Encouraging climate and people-friendly transport options
- Continue to provide infrastructure in appropriate places to encourage walking and biking, including connecting and extending paths
- Continue to provide electric bikes for staff use
- Encourage staff and the community to celebrate Bike Month (October)
Looking ahead to 2030, we are also looking to:
- Advocate for business and State Government to provide low carbon, public, tourist and school transport
- Lobbying State Government to accelerate the electric vehicle transition
- Provide parking / planning incentives for EV charging
- Encourage car sharing and EV bulk buying opportunities within the community
- Lobby Federal Government to set emission standards for vehicles and support transition to electric vehicles
- Provide bike infrastructure at bus stops