The Federal Government has released a Transport and Infrastructure Net Zero Roadmap and Action Plan.
Transport currently accounts for 22 per cent of national emissions, making it the third-largest source. Without intervention, it is projected to become the largest emitter by 2030.
The plan maps decarbonisation pathways across all modes – road, rail, maritime, aviation – and the infrastructure that underpins them.
For light vehicles, electrification is identified as the most cost-effective route, supported by regulatory measures such as the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard. Heavy vehicles will require a mix of battery electric, hydrogen and low carbon liquid fuels, with hydrogen flagged for long-haul freight where electrification is less viable.
In aviation, sustainable aviation fuel is set to play the dominant role, while maritime will rely on hydrogen-derived fuels such as methanol and ammonia. Rail will pursue a combination of electrification, battery and hydrogen solutions, complemented by freight mode-shift initiatives.
The roadmap outlines five priority actions: enabling zero-emissions infrastructure; electrification and energy efficiency; scaling low carbon fuels; innovation in transport technologies; and reducing embodied emissions in construction materials.
To support delivery, the government has announced $1.1 billion for a Cleaner Fuels Program and $40 million to accelerate rollout of kerbside and fast EV charging. These sit alongside the $100 million Active Transport Fund and other measures to drive uptake of cleaner vehicles and modal shift.
Treasury modelling suggests that with these interventions, transport emissions can fall from 100 Mt CO₂-e in 2025 to 36 Mt by 2050.
“The decarbonisation of Australia’s transport system will require significant public and private sector investment in emerging low and zero emissions technology and enabling infrastructure,” the roadmap states.
The full document is accessible here.
