Why Telstra ’ s 3G network switch-off is an opportunity for Australia ’ s transport sector to fast track its carbon reduction goals
WORDS BY SEAN KILLEN
T
he shutdown of Telstra ’ s 3G network and the 4G switchover present a unique opportunity for Australia ’ s fleet managers to adopt or upgrade telematics , which can deliver safety , environmental and cost benefits . The shift to 4G will give fleet managers better telematics capabilities than ever before , and could help fleets to meet carbon reduction targets , but planning should start now .
The Australian Government ’ s recently revised mandate to reduce carbon emissions to 43 per cent by 2030 and net zero by 2050 has made the need more urgent than ever . All industry sectors must play a more active role in addressing climate change , and none more so than the transport sector , which currently accounts for 18 per cent of all of Australia ’ s carbon dioxide emissions .
In fact , our sector is the third-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Australia according to the Climate Council . By 2030 transport emissions are projected to be 82 per cent higher than in 1990 . Despite this , the government is yet to propose carbon emission standards specifically for transport . As a responsible industry it is therefore incumbent on us to drive change for ourselves .
16 ISSUE 40 MAY 2023 / WWW . AFMA . ORG . AU