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Australia aware of the coming problems.



18/03/2008 - Sydneysiders must take serious steps to reduce their vehicle use before future global oil shortages hit, a peak oil study group says.


The Australian Association for the Study of Peak Oil (ASPO Australia) says cities all around the country should be preparing now for the inevitable shortages as global oil production heads into decline in the coming years.

ASPO Australia's Bruce Robinson has called on the federal and NSW governments to get more cars off the roads before the oil shock hits.

"The federal government should remove FBT (fringe benefits tax) subsidies for car use and the tariff concessions for big 4WDs and start to fund public transport and bicycle facilities," he said.

"NSW should call a moratorium on new motorway construction until future fuel availability is clarified and use the funds to upgrade public transport instead."

Greens state MP Lee Rhiannon said it was time Premier Morris Iemma coordinated a government response.

"Now that the CEOs of General Motors and Shell Oil and the former US defence secretary have acknowledged that it's time to prepare for peak oil, surely the NSW premier should commit to a NSW response," Rhiannon said.

"The Iemma government is pushing a petroleum-dependent transport system onto future generations with continued investment in motorways at the expense of investment in public transport.

"Premier Iemma's head in the sand approach on peak oil is irresponsible and dangerous ... It is clear that urgent work needs to be done to protect our communities, our livelihoods and our future."

Comment was being sought from Iemma.