Released 10/08/2021
New electric tools and e-bikes are helping staff at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve carry out their work more easily while reducing carbon emissions.
Minister for Land Management Mick Gentleman said the new electric equipment was quieter and lighter than petrol driven counterparts while being powered by 100 per cent renewable electricity.
“New electric chainsaws, line trimmers, pole-saws and leaf blowers have been purchased for ACT Parks and Conservation Service staff at Tidbinbilla,” Minister Gentleman said.
“Earlier this year, Tidbinbilla rangers swapped over to a range of battery powered tools as part of a four-week trial. The trial was a major success with most tools proving they could do the job just as well or even better.
“Tidbinbilla rangers overwhelmingly supportive of the change and a new 12-month trial is now underway to investigate how these tools could be rolled out across the Parks and Conservation Service. This will include monitoring factors such as battery life over the longer term.
“Two new all-terrain mountain e-bikes are also being added to the fleet. These e-bikes provide rangers a zero-emission alternative to diesel vehicles for short range trips and will be fitted with small cargo trailers to carry operational equipment.”
Quotes attributable to Daniel Iglesias, Director of the ACT Parks and Conservation Service
“As you can imagine, we’re very passionate about the environment and the work we do and it’s important that we can balance that passion with tools that can do the job,” Mr Iglesias said.
“Staff in the ACT Parks and Conservation Service immediately took a shine to the new tools. What we’ve seen so far are battery powered tools are fit for purpose and are actually better than their petrol-powered alternatives in many cases.”
Learn more about the ACT’s commitment to reducing emissions from government operations on the Zero Emissions Government website.
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Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases