More than 100,000 trees will be planted to help offset the 63,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emitted by the state government's vehicle fleet in 2006.
More than 100,000 trees will be planted to help offset the 63,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emitted by the state government's vehicle fleet in 2006.
Treasurer Eric Ripper announced a pilot project aimed at making the state's 10,000-strong light vehicle fleet carbon neutral.
The project will see Men of the Trees Carbon Neutral Program, in partnership with the Oil Mallee Association, plant about 108,000 oil mallee seedlings at Pindar, east of Geraldton.
"The environment benefits from this partnership in two ways," the Treasurer said.
"Offsetting the fleet's carbon dioxide emissions addresses greenhouse issues, while the trees also help the farmer deal with emerging salinity and wind erosion issues on his property."
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21/04/06
Major Government drive to offset car fleet emissions.
More than 100,000 trees will be planted to help offset the 63,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emitted by the State Government's 10,000-strong light vehicle fleet in 2006.
Treasurer Eric Ripper today announced a pilot project aimed at making the fleet carbon neutral, while officially opening the 2006 Perth Motor Show.
Mr Ripper said the project would see Men of the Trees Carbon Neutral Program, in partnership with the Oil Mallee Association, plant about 108,000 oil mallee seedlings at a property at Pindar, east of Geraldton.
"The environment benefits from this partnership in two ways," the Treasurer said.
"Offsetting the fleet's carbon dioxide emissions addresses greenhouse issues, while the trees also help the farmer deal with emerging salinity and wind erosion issues on his property."
Environment Minister Mark McGowan said the 12-month pilot would also involve revegetation projects by the Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM).
"CALM projects at Lake Warden, north of Esperance and Lake Bryde, south-east of Lake Grace, will see ecosystems and habitats regenerated to address salinity and waterlogging issues," Mr McGowan said.
"In addition, the Lake Warden plantings will reduce farm fertiliser runoff which causes nutrient enrichment problems in the lake."
Mr Ripper said the cost of the project would be borne by Government agencies using the vehicles, and would be based on the fuel actually used.
"Agencies will pay a carbon charge each month, along with their other vehicle costs," he said.
"It will cost about two cents per litre of fuel used. Drivers can generally save more than this by using FuelWatch and choosing the cheapest service station in their area when they need to fill up."
The Treasurer said the project complemented the Government's earlier initiative to reduce fuel use - and hence emissions - by making four-cylinder vehicles the preferred choice.
"Agencies are responding well to this move, and since January this year, more than half the passenger cars bought for the fleet have been four-cylinders," he said.
The State President of Men of the Trees, Rosanne Scott, said that her organisation was delighted to be involved in the project.
"It is a positive partnership for everyone," Ms Scott said.
"The Government offsets carbon dioxide emissions; it helps the farmer with his land care program; and it all fits very well with Men of the Trees' objectives of planting trees, reducing greenhouse gases and fighting salinity."