Northern Beaches Council is considering the feasibility of replacing its fleet of vehicles with electrically powered vehicles in an effort to reduce its operational impact on the environment and possibly even costs.

At Council’s June meeting, Councillors voted to support an investigation of costs for both all electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

To this end, Councillors supported a motion to approach car manufacturers and local car dealers to help in the replacement costings analysis and has formed a Working Group to properly explore all of the available options.

Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said it makes sense for Council to investigate how to make environmental improvements where they can.

“Council has an important role to play in leading by example to lower greenhouse gas emissions and we are always looking to save money.

“Currently we have a variety of light fleet vehicles including sedans, SUVs and PHEVs (plug-in hybrid electric vehicles) which are used by our library and children’s services staff as well as rangers. These amongst other vehicles are the vehicles we would look to replace.

"It makes sense to pursue full electric vehicle options when a car can travel beyond 400km on just one charge.” Mayor Regan said.

As part of Council’s Transport Discussion Paper, and the soon to be released draft Transport Strategy, Council will also explore dedicating more charging stations across the region to support not only electric cars, but electric bikes and scooters.

“I’ve always been committed to advocating for more sustainable transport modes in the future.

“We know the community is behind us as feedback expressed by our residents during the engagement phase of the Transport Discussion Paper reaffirmed their support,” said Mayor Regan.

A detailed business case will be undertaken and returned to Council at the end of 2018.