Fuel efficiency standards would save Aussies $11.2b

Fuel efficiency standards for light vehicles in line with that of the European Union would save Australian motorists $11.2 billion in fuel costs over five years, according to a new report from Solar Citizen. 

On the flip side, a report from the Australia Institute found that the recent uptake of SUV ownership in Australia means consumers are needlessly spending an extra $13bn a year to fuel their cars, and the trend is kicking transport emissions into overdrive.

More than 100,000 hectares have burned in the MacDonnell Ranges area, west of Alice Springs, which has been declared a federal priority for threatened species conservation. Conservationists say it is a nationally significant environmental “tragedy”.

Fuel efficiency standards would save billions of dollars
Strong fuel efficiency standards for light vehicles in line with that of the European Union would save Australian motorists $11.2 billion in fuel costs over five years, according to a new report from Solar Citizen. Regional drivers would reap greater savings as they tend to have a higher rate of car ownership, longer average commutes and pay more at the pump.

Big, fuel guzzling SUVs don’t make sense
On the flip side, a report from the Australia Institute found that the recent uptake of SUV ownership in Australia means consumers are needlessly spending an extra $13bn a year to fuel their cars, and the trend is sending transport emissions into overdrive. “Australians buy big, dumb cars and that means we spend a lot more on petrol than we should,” the report said.

Bushfires burn 20% of Tjoritja National Park
In the past three weeks, more than 100,000 hectares have burned across the MacDonnell Ranges area, west of Alice Springs, which the federal government has declared a priority place under the national threatened species strategy. Conservationists say it is a nationally significant environmental “tragedy”.

NSW poverty worsens
One million people – including one in seven children – are living below the poverty line in New South Wales, according to a new report highlighting the deepening inequality across Sydney. The report used data from the 2021 census.

EU tightens vehicle standards
Countries in the European Union have approved a landmark law that will ensure all new cars sold from 2035 must have zero emissions.

Social media misinformation and Indigenous voice referendum  
The Australian government and eSafety commissioner are urging social media giants to stamp out misinformation and hate speech during the Indigenous voice campaign, saying tech companies must be “on notice” on the matter of racist abuse.

Mildura businesses reap rewards from renewables
Trends show Mildura people have trusted solar power as a superpower, cutting their bills and minimising their greenhouse gas emissions, just as electricity costs rise in Victoria.

Pension protests ramp up in France
Hundreds of thousands of people have taken part in street protests and strikes across France amid fears of violent clashes with police, as demonstrations continue over Emmanuel Macron’s use of constitutional executive powers to push through an unpopular raise of the pension age.