Believed to be a first for Local Government in Australia, Banyule City Council in Victoria has purchased a petro/electric hybrid Toyota Prius. The Prius is a futuristic ‘dual fuel’ vehicle running on electricity and petrol. It uses half the fuel, producing half the greenhouse gas and up to 80 per cent less pollution than an equivalent petrol car.
Toyota Australia’s, President and Chief Executive, Ken Asano handed over the $39,000 vehicle to Banyule Mayor, Councillor Colin Brooks in Ivanhoe on 1 November.
“As part of our strategic approach to reducing fuel consumption and reliance on fossil fuels, Council has added Prius to our fleet enabling Banyule to meet its greenhouse commitment under the Cities for Climate Protection program,” said Councillor Brooks. “It will complement our environmental substainability activities such as wildlife corridor protection, waste reduction, recycling education, water conservation and numerous other programs designed to help the environment.
“Sustainability is one of Council’s core values. Council prides itself on leading by example and they aptly labelled Prius is yet another example of Council ‘walking the talk’.
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These are just some of the practical results of Banyule’s Environment Policy and Strategy adopted in 1997, in response to a grass roots community desire to ‘do the right thing by the environment’. To complement this, Council produces a State of the Environment report detailing its progress each year.
“It keeps us on our toes,” said Banyule’s Environment Officer, Pat Vaughan. “Last year 81.2 per cent of our action plans were progressing well and on time. This year we’re aiming for 85 per cent.”
For further information contact Pat Vaughan, on (03) 9490 4222.
