Science, Technology and Engineering

School of Life Sciences

Department of Environmental Management & Ecology

LOCAL STUDY TO ENCOURAGE USE OF ALTERNATE VEHICLES AND FUELS IN THE NORTH EAST

Media release October 2007

The study involves compiling data about more efficient vehicles and fuels on the market, including an examination of the use of bio-fuels. Brigid will also be interviewing fleet managers of organisations across the region that are using a range of new types of vehicles and fuels to gain their feedback.

A report will be developed to assist people to compare environmental and economic sustainability of vehicles and fuel types, detailing factors such as the initial cost, fuel consumption, and estimated re-sale value.

Brigid said the placement with the Alliance was giving her an opportunity to increase her research skills, conduct interviews and hone her presentation skills.

North East Greenhouse Alliance Project Co-ordinator, Michelle Wilkinson, said the Alliance was supportive of ‘greener’ fuel and transport choices of vehicles in the North East.

“Alliance members comprise seven North East councils, government agencies and other fleet users. Many Alliance members and partner organisations are making changes to their fleet vehicle purchasing policies and moving to use alternate fuels in these vehicles. The stumbling block for many is being able to analyse the effectiveness of the various alternate vehicle and fuels and match those to their particular needs.

She said the Alliance was pleased to provide the work placement for Brigid to hone her industry experience.

“At the same time, it is an opportunity for the Alliance to draw on the skills of a final year student to work on a project that will provide valuable information to the community. The Alliance is currently working on seven separate projects across the north east region. The research required for this project is quite involved and the Alliance would have had difficulty progressing this study without the resources of a student.”

Head of the Department of Environmental Management and Ecology, La Trobe University, Associate Professor Phil Suter, said industry placements were undertaken by all final year students studying in the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management and Ecology at the Albury-Wodonga campus.

“All of our final year students are currently working with a range of agencies across the North East to hone their skills and contribute to projects that return benefits to communities.

The experience they gain from these placements and the regular field trips offered throughout the course aim to prepare students for the workforce.”

As part of her placement experience, Brigid will present her report at a community forum later this year. When finalised, the report will be available to the community on the North East Greenhouse Alliance website.

For more information on the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management and Ecology program at La Trobe University phone 02 6024 9885 or visit: www.latrobe.edu.au/deme/aw

For more information on the North East Greenhouse Alliance phone: (02) 6022 9278.

Further media releases.