Clean energy to fuel Council cars

Clean energy is powering the three newest cars in Townsville City Council’s light passenger fleet as the first step towards 70 per cent of Council’s light vehicles being powered by renewable energy by 2026.

The new Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and Ford Eclipse are plug-in hybrid vehicles with batteries which supply energy to electric motors, backed up by a combustion engine. The batteries are recharged by plugging into a power source or through regenerative braking while driving.

Community Health, Safety and Environmental Sustainability Committee chairperson Maurie Soars said Council was committed to achieving its target of becoming a carbon neutral Council by 2040.

“The health of our natural environment is everybody’s responsibility, and as a leading organisation in Townsville it’s up to Council to set the standard. That’s why Council is making changes across the organisation to achieve its goal of having 70 per cent of its light vehicles powered by renewable energy by 2026,” Cr Soars said.

“Council carefully manages its assets, giving Council the opportunity to investigate innovative options that are better for the environment and provide a better return on investment.

“Replacing aged assets like cars with more environmentally-friendly options means we’re able to move towards our goal and help protect our natural environment.”

For more information about Council’s transition towards a circular economy that advances business and moves towards zero waste visit Council’s Corporate Information page.