Tasmania’s West Coast Council has converted its entire 25 vehicle fleet to run on LP Gas, providing significant savings on running costs and minimising the impact on the environment. As a result, Council is offsetting some 323 tonnes of carbon per annum. Council is also expected to save a minimum of $125,000 in fuel costs and over $400,000 in capital costs over five years.
West Coast Mayor, Councillor Darryl Gerrity, said the cash benefits returned to Council will be approximately twice the level of expenditure and will take Council a long way towards becoming more financially sustainable.
“Given the regional location of our municipality and the large amount of travel required by staff, Council’s vehicle fleet is a major operating expense,” he said.
Councillor Gerrity said Council undertook extensive consultation with vehicle suppliers to ensure the most appropriate vehicles were selected.
“Council found that Ford Australia produced Australia’s only dedicated LPG vehicle – that is a vehicle that has a factory fitted LPG system,” he said. “We then entered into a contract whereby our small vehicle fleet will be supplied by Ford Australia, to be replaced on a three year cycle.”
As part of the project, Council has also installed LPG tanks at its depots and established LPG outlets. Councillor Gerrity said that previously, there was only one commercial LPG supplier on the West Coast.
“Council realised that while conversion to LP Gas was the best option, the necessary task of refilling the vehicles was a major issue,” he said. “It quickly became clear installation of LPG tanks would be necessary and Council is now also providing the community and its many visitors with access to the LPG services.
“This is a great benefit as an alternative and cheaper fuel source as the West Coast suffers from higher petrol prices than many other communities.
“The provision of third party LP Gas sales is also providing Councils with the opportunity for an additional revenue stream, thus enhancing our financial sustainability.
“Also, under Council policy, the dedicated LPG fleet, along with the small number of duel fuel vehicles purchased, will be available to the community to purchase at the expiry of the three year period. This sale of vehicles to the community will increase the number of LPG vehicles on the West Coast and therefore continue to deliver greenhouse gas abatement.”
