Media Statements - More businesses commit to 'green' travel

29/11/05

Seven Perth businesses have committed to improving the city’s air quality by developing a Green Transport Plan.

Environment Minister Judy Edwards and Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan today acknowledged the workplaces which had encouraged their employees to make environmentally-smart transport choices.

Dr Edwards said that last year four workplaces adopted the TravelSmart Workplace Program and throughout this year had successfully developed their own Green Transport Plan to reduce single-occupant car trips to and from work.

“Another three businesses also reviewed their Green Transport Plans with assistance from the Department for Planning and Infrastructure,” she said.

“Encouraging staff to use environmentally-friendly alternatives to driving to or from work alone will lead to a significant and sustainable improvement in Perth’s air quality.

“Small changes in transport choices by everyone will help make a difference.”

Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said TravelSmart was all about making the community stop and think about the travel choices it made.

"Leaving the car at home is good for the liveability of our city, good for the environment and good for people's hip pockets, protecting our unique WA lifestyle along the way,” Ms MacTiernan said.

"As a government, we have invested heavily in public transport and cycling paths - we want to make sure that the community uses them so we have a healthier community and a cleaner, greener city.”

Dr Edwards said the air quality in Perth was not always as good as it could be, particularly in summer when the levels of photochemical smog occasionally exceeded health guidelines.

“This high level of smog, which can severely affect people with respiratory diseases, is attributed mainly to motor vehicle emissions,” she said.

“The State Government has implemented numerous initiatives from the Perth Air Quality Management Plan to address this issue over a number of years.

“However, if the community is to benefit from these improvements, we need to address the number and frequency of cars using the road.

“Unfortunately, the current trend in Perth is that most people are using their cars for trips during the day.

“Therefore, it is important that more workplaces adopt the TravelSmart Workplace program and actively promote using environmentally friendly and physically active alternatives to driving to work.”

The TravelSmart Workplace program is a joint initiative between the Department of Environment and the Department for Planning and Infrastructure.

Workplaces that have developed a Green Transport Plan through the TravelSmart Workplace Program are:

Department of Premier and Cabinet;
Disability Services Commission;
Sinclair Knight Merz; and
Transfield Worley.

Workplaces that have reviewed their Green Transport Plans with assistance from DPI are:

City of Perth;
Department of Health; and
Woodside.

Minister for the Environment's office: 9220 5050
Minister for Planning and Infrastructure's office: 9213 6400