Look forward to the launch!

Maybe other Australian governments, especially national, will follow Queensland and produce their own reports on oil vulnerability.

Here is a link to Queensland's report

Queensland's vulnerability to rising oil prices - taskforce report

http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/publications?id=2190

The report's executive summary "concludes that the overwhelming evidence is that world oil production will peak within the next 10 years" and "recommends that a prudent risk mitigation approach requires a mix of initiatives such as reduction in consumption of liquid fossil fuels, encouraging the development and use of alternative fuels, technologies and strategies, and preparation for demographic and regional changes, as Queenslanders change travel, work and living habits in response to rising fuel prices".

It is a concern that oil prices are already tracking the report's worst case scenario, described by the High Oil Price Scenario on page 29 - "Prices rise from an average of $US54/barrel in 2005, to $US110-115 by 2050" Prices could reach $US110/barrel by end of 2008.

To create more awareness of peak oil, which is urgently needed, the following was stated on page 155 of the report

It should be noted that in February 2005 the International Energy Agency recommended in its report “Saving Oil in a Hurry” that member nations, of which Australia is one, commence public awareness campaigns to promote dramatic reductions in petroleum usage immediately.

A public awareness program along the lines of Water Wise, Clean Up Australia, or anti-smoking or drink driving campaigns, may be necessary to both explain rising energy costs and to garner support for the action necessary to address the problem.

New South Wales, in Australia, already has an awareness program called Energy Smart http://www.energysmart.com.au/ which could be modified to consider oil vulnerability impacts. The current mission statement is - "Energy Smart programs can help you save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by saving energy at home and at work". The scope of Energy Smart could be extended to include all activities that use energy, not just those at the home and at work, but also those for transportation. The focus could also change so that the reduction of greenhouse gases is treated on an equal basis with the reduction of energy consumption.

This Energy Smart modification in scope and focus could be applied to Energy Smart programs already existing in other countries and states

UK
http://www.energywatch.org.uk/help_and_advice/energysmart/index.asp
Ohio
http://www.odod.state.oh.us/cdd/oee/esc_description.htm
South Dakota
http://www.sdenergysmart.com/
Western Australia
http://www1.energysmartdirectory.com/about.asp

Just realised that there is already a program called TravelSmart which could be changed slightly to place a greater focus on reducing energy consumption. The current benefits are the following from Western Australia's TravelSmart website http://www.dpi.wa.gov.au/travelsmart/14890.asp (note that reduced energy consumption is not included)

For the community and individuals:
Reduced greenhouse gases
Less traffic, noise and pollution in local streets
Improved health from physical activity (cycling and walking - including to and from the bus stop or train station)
Improved personal security (with more people on the streets walking and cycling)
Savings in car running costs
Fewer road incidents

For the Government:
Increased public transport patronage and improved public transport cost recovery
Traffic levels reduced, resulting in less pressure to upgrade roads
Reduced pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from less car use

Other Australian TravelSmart sites

http://www.travelsmart.vic.gov.au/
http://www.transport.qld.gov.au/Home/General_information/Travelsmart/
http://www.transport.sa.gov.au/environment/travelsmartsa/index.asp
http://www.actpla.act.gov.au/topics/programs_projects/planning_studies/s...