Western Sydney Local Health District car fleet supports net zero emissions by 2050 goal

In September 2022, Australia’s parliament passed government legislation to cut carbon emissions by 43% by 2030 and to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The electrification of car fleets was identified by the NSW government as one of the key short-term opportunities to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles.

In early 2023, the first of three electric vehicles will be added to the Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) Fleet , a fleet which is already compromised of over 50% hybrid vehicles.

Kaylene Collins, Manager Fleet and Courier Services, has worked for WSLHD Fleet Services for 20 years and was integral in the introduction of hybrid vehicles to the district over five years ago.

“I remember when hybrid vehicles first came out, there was a feeling that it was really unusual and that people weren’t going to want to drive them, but everyone jumped on board and embraced the change,” said Kaylene.

Kaylene is excited for this new chapter for the service and helping to contribute to the net zero goal.

We would love to make the whole fleet fully electric now, but logistically there’s still a lot to work out, so that will still be a few years away yet,” said Kaylene.

“We’re in the early stages of talking to the WSLHD Asset Management Unit about how fleet cars will be charged and to determine the infrastructure required to support this.

“We’re very much about sustainability and not just sitting back and waiting to be told that we need to do it – so we like to get in and get the ball rolling!”

WSLHD has a commitment to environmental sustainability.

The NSW Electric Vehicle Strategy is the NSW Government’s plan to accelerate the State’s vehicle fleet of the future.