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Showing posts with the label infrastructure

What are the electric vehicle e-bikes that we have been ignoring?

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In an effort to decarbonise the Australian economy, much has been made of the need to switch to electric cars. But proponents say there’s a much cheaper and greener EV to consider – the electric bike. While you may have to be on a 12-month waiting list and make at least $40,000 to buy a new electric car in Australia right now, you can get a two-wheeler with a battery for less than 10 cents to charge, pretty easily. Chris Jones, president of the Australian Electric Vehicles Association, says many of us forget that bicycles are a form of transportation, and often see them only for fitness and recreation. Chris Jones says EVs on two wheels seem to be forgotten by policymakers. ( ABC Radio Perth: Emma Wynne ) “It’s kind of sad that these simple, highly efficient and very affordable electric vehicles are so often overlooked,” said Dr Jones. “I think a lot of people, especially in Perth, have always looked at bicycles as a toy or recreation; they are very rarely seen as transportation.” But

This small town is thriving but this business is considering closing shop

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After nearly 30 years in business, Barb Moffat is considering closing the doors of his beloved bakery, as customers have stopped coming. “We have no, or almost no customers because they can’t park,” Moffat said. As COVID-19 restrictions ease in 2021, the main road in the central Queensland town of Gracemere returns to its normally busy highway. But in September, business owners said people had stopped shopping there because it was too difficult to park due to roadworks. “This is embarrassing… It’s just a nightmare,” said Moffat. “Parents can’t come, mostly every day there will be accidents. “We’ve suffered and suffered and I’m not the only one; FoodWorks, butchers, doctors, real estate … when will it stop?” Construction is ongoing to improve the Gracemere main road. ( ABC Capricornia: Rachel McGhee ) Construction is underway to upgrade Lawrie Road from two to four lanes, which is designed to reduce congestion and meet current and future traffic growth in Gracemere. The $44 million pro