The Noosa EV Expo and Streetfest 2022 showed us that all things electric are on the community’s radar as thousands filled Noosa Junction to explore their options. Electrification can be an effective solution for almost all our transport options and Zero Emissions Noosa is paving the way. Beyond electric cars, the variety of electric trucks, buses, tractors, bikes, motorbikes and scooters available shows us that there are many benefits to going electric.
As technology develops and improves, there will be no need to burn petrol and diesel to support our transport needs. This will also help us tackle the issues of climate change. If all cars on the road became powered by renewable electricity, we’d cut almost one-fifth of our emissions according to Peter Newman, Professor of Sustainability, Curtin University. This would be a great outcome in transitioning from fossil fuels to renewables. With cleaner air, quieter cities and reduction of costs as fuel prices rise. If we increased our uptake of e-bikes, e-scooters and all forms of e-transport, closing a road to cars provides a solution to sustainable development.
The expo did this and it was carried out seamlessly with traffic diverted around the Noosa Junction precinct. Many travelled by bus, receiving two free trees for their efforts thanks to Noosa and District Landcare, and locals and visitors alike considered their travel options, arriving by foot, bike or scooter as well. Evidence shows that this works for a day, so could this not be extended in the future to become a carless precinct? This would require good planning and new policy and infrastructure, directed towards solutions yet it is certainly possible as demonstrated in other cities around the world. Noosa Junction and Hastings Street provide possibilities for this idea, and the future could see Noosa leading the way as an example for others to follow. Reducing traffic congestion as population grows and as a tourism town, service with a difference supports climate solutions.
For our younger generation, the renewables and electric transport sector will grow new career opportunities. This is an exciting way to look towards future technology with hope and the Expo provided a platform for this to be showcased. Students were encouraged to come along and discuss their options with exhibitors and get inspired by the projects presented.
Year 6 students from Sunshine Beach State School showcased their “Race to Zero” project involving the use of “Swap and Go” battery technology. They were placed next to Janus Electric, where many conversations connected their project to a working fleet. Janus Electric’s ground-breaking battery technology has been developed by professional engineers and transport operators, dedicated to providing Australian road transport businesses with a smarter, safer, and cleaner alternative, placing Janus Electric at the forefront of the next phase of road transport globally.
Matthew Flinders Anglican College students converted an old Land Rover to electric using innovative design and technology. They registered the car and drove it to the expo, paving the way and eager to share their experience.
The UQ racing team brought a diverse selection of engineering, business, marketing, and IT students to the Expo. Their car showed the possibilities of electrifying the racing sector and further complements the teamwork, project, and resource management necessary to creating innovative winners!
The contributions of electric technology are bringing more excitement to education and innovation and possibilities for communities.
To learn more, follow Zero Emissions Noosa as we provide information on the full spectrum of electric transport options, including those non-car-centric, for enhanced liveability and the development of future career paths for our youth designing a Zero Emissions future.
