**Check against delivery
Introduction
Ladies and gentlemen,
I'm pleased to be in Sydney for the launch of the 25 Star Track Express hybrid trucks.
These are the best speeches for a Minister to make – when forward-thinking business leaders seize on innovative technology and make a real difference in our society.
Truck fleets are the arteries of our national prosperity.
Their competitiveness and productivity is important for the economy.
Reducing fuel use will reduce operational costs so this initiative is not only good for the environment, it is good for business too,
As we move further into the 21st Century:
- Demand for energy will get bigger;
- The search for fossil fuels will get tougher;
- Calls from customers to cut transport pollution will get louder;
- Alternative fuels will get better; and
- New technology will get smarter.
Hybrid trucks
By investing in hybrid trucks, Star Track Express is improving our energy efficiency and air quality whilst supporting sustainable economic growth—all of which are commendable outcomes.
This, I believe, is the largest fleet of environmentally-friendly trucks in Australia.
The truck bodies are manufactured and fitted here in Australia, developing local expertise in an emerging technology and creating jobs that will last in to the future.
They're more expensive than conventional trucks, but they’re less exposed to sharp movements in diesel prices.
Because the trucks move off by electric motor, there's less noise, less pollution and a longer clutch-life.
By reducing fuel use by 15 per cent there is also a cut in emissions, especially in start-stop traffic.
That's really important in our towns and cities where cutting noise pollution from loud trucks and improving our air quality is highly valued by the community.
The generator converts brake energy into electric energy and stores it in the battery.
The engine stops when the gear is in neutral, which means no fuel is wasted at the traffic lights.
All up, these trucks are cleaner, greener and quieter.
Being a leader in innovation makes good business sense and I applaud Star Track Express for being ahead of the game.
A variety of alternative transport fuels and technologies are needed to meet our future energy needs.
Today, for instance, we're seeing innovative technology solutions by an innovative company.
And only last month, I congratulated BOC and APA Group for creating a new LNG refuelling facility in Victoria.
Up to 100 tonnes a day of LNG will flow to a truck refuelling terminal in Dandenong.
It also means the freight sector will have more fuel options along the east coast of Australia.
A network of stations for trucks running on LNG is more than just a new business opportunity – it’s a new industry.
At the moment, Australia’s trade deficit in crude oil and refined products is nearly $16 billion.
That could grow close to $30 billion by 2015.
By developing hybrids, plug-ins, biofuels and others, we cut carbon emissions and improve our energy security.
Some of the Government programs supporting alternative fuels include the LPG Vehicle Grants Scheme and the Green Car Innovation Fund.
Last year I announced seven successful projects under the $15 million Second Generation Biofuels Program.
This R&D program will focus on developing sustainable biofuels from algae, sugarcane, mallee and forest waste.
Close cooperation between industry, governments and consumers is the best way of addressing the challenges presented by climate change and energy security.
Conclusion
Ladies and gentlemen, practical measures bridge the gap between sustainable and non-sustainable growth.
Your leadership today will create the jobs of tomorrow.
I applaud your investment and your vision.
Thank you