World Car-Free Day

Adjourned debate on motion of Hon. R.A. Simms:

That this council—

1. Recognises that 22 September is World Car-Free Day.

2. Notes that according to the Department for Environment and Water, transport accounts for 28 per cent of South Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions, the highest for any sector in the state.

3. Notes with concern that public transport use has declined by 13 per cent since July 2019.

4. Acknowledges that reducing car use has many benefits including:

(a) reduced greenhouse gas emissions;

(b) improved air quality;

(c) increased beneficial health and wellbeing outcomes; and

(d) reduced traffic congestion.

5. Calls on the Malinauskas government to implement the recommendations from the report of the Select Committee on Public and Active Transport by:

(a) increasing the frequency of bus services, simplifying concessions, and improving connectivity;

(b) trialling of passenger rail services from Mount Barker to Adelaide and incentivising passenger rail between Adelaide and Melbourne;

(c) trialling separated bike infrastructure and traffic calming measures, including speed limit restrictions;

(d) commencing planning for a statewide, integrated separated cycling network;

(e) development of a statewide strategic transport network plan;

(f) promotion of alternatives to car travel to reduce carbon emissions; and

(g) legislating to enable the use of privately owned e-scooters and other e-personal mobility devices in public spaces.

(Continued from 18 October 2023.)

The Hon. R.A. SIMMS (22:56): I move:

That this order of the day be discharged.

Motion carried; order of the day discharged.