Wednesday 8 th September 2004

Council staff may set example for the Shire

Sutherland Shire Environment Centre today congratulated local councillors for taking steps that encourage council staff to travel to work by means other than private motor vehicle.

"Sutherland Shire residents' love affair with their motor vehicles means that they are contributing far more than their fair share to the problem of greenhouse gas emissions and global warming" said Centre transport spokesperson, Jenni Gormley.

"At their meeting last night, councillors were made aware that of a workforce of 1200, the vast majority (80%) travel to work by car. Considerable amounts of greenhouse gas emissions could be saved is even just some staff chose to travel by alternative means.

"Encouraging workers to use more active forms of transport (walking, cycling and use of public transport) also has the benefit of reducing the need for car parking, healthier staff, less absenteeism, less staff time lost due to traffic congestion and higher productivity."

Council has agreed to offer staff a range of inducements including pre-purchasing of Cityrail Flexipass tickets, better facilities for those who walk and cycle and car pooling.

"Not only can this have a real effect on global warming by their behaviour, but they will be setting a wonderful example for the rest of us to follow. We hope that other employers in the Sutherland Shire will not be slow to follow the Council's lead in this area", said Ms Gormley.

For further information contact Jenni Gormley 0404 065 376 or Sutherland Shire Environment Centre 9545 3077.