Tweed Heads and Armidale Zero Emission Buses dubbed ‘best bus ride ever’

By Ian Rogers

Five months into Transport for NSW’s Zero Emissions Bus (ZEB) trials in regional areas, the initiative is being praised as a success. Since the rollout of zero-emission school buses in Armidale and Tweed Heads earlier this year, the trials have shown promising results. One student even described the experience as “the best bus ride ever,” with the ZEBs performing well across various conditions and terrains, earning positive feedback in passenger surveys.

During the second and third school terms, the four buses in Armidale and Tweed Heads have collectively achieved:

• Over 64,000 kilometres travelled
• More than 2,600 hours of charging time
• Over 25,000 passenger journeys

At the BusNSW 2024 Member Conference in Sydney today, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison announced the second phase of Transport for NSW’s $25 million regional Zero Emission Bus trials.

Starting next week, more buses will be deployed, with three ZEB school buses heading to each of Queanbeyan and Deniliquin, and one to Narrabri, along with an additional bus in Armidale. The trials aim to gather data on the performance of these buses and coaches in a variety of environments, terrains, temperatures, and conditions.

This data, combined with feedback from passengers, drivers, and operators, will help Transport for NSW determine the most suitable technology for regional areas as part of the broader goal of achieving zero emissions in the future.

For more information on the zero-emissions bus trial, visit here.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said: 

“I welcome the enthusiastic support and positive feedback from the Armidale and Tweed communities regarding our Zero Emission Bus trials.

“The early trial data shows ZEBs are really living up to their name with zero breakdowns and zero charging issues despite operating in challenging conditions.

“From unsealed roads to steep hilly climbs and temperatures hitting below minus-5 around Armidale – these buses are cutting tailpipe emissions and showing ZEBs have the potential to thrive in regional areas.”

Edwards Coaches Managing Director Brad Edwards said:

“Feedback from the drivers and passengers has so far been positive. The trial has provided very promising results showing excellent durability and reliability of these vehicles.

“Participating in this trial has already given us a lot of valuable insights into the capabilities of zero emissions technology.”

Martin Hall, Kinetic’s Executive General Manager for South-East Queensland and Tweed said:

“Our experience at Kinetic is that wherever ZEBs are introduced the feedback from passengers is overwhelmingly positive. School children are happy to be enjoying the quiet and smooth ride.

“It has been wonderful to see students learn more about the technology and how sustainable transport will play a such an important role in their futures.”

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said:

“We are early and regular uptakers of renewables, so this is a good fit for our region. We can tell that people are happy and the buses are working well.

“Because it’s been a trial, we know it’s the start of more good things to come as we get to our renewable targets.”

Emily Suvaal MLC, Labor spokesperson for Tweed said:

“The NSW Government remains committed to a greener, more sustainable transport system and with promising results so far, I am confident the next deployment of regional ZEB trials will further highlight their potential wider application.”

Peter Primrose MLC, Labor spokesperson for the Northern Tablelands said:

“I am thrilled to see the positive outcomes from the Zero Emission Bus trials. The enthusiastic feedback from students and the community highlights the success of this initiative.

“As we work towards transitioning our regional bus fleet to zero emissions, these trials are crucial in demonstrating the potential of sustainable transport solutions. I look forward to the next phase of trials and the invaluable insights they will provide as we pave the way for a cleaner future in public transport.”

Vote Counting Underway for Tweed Shire Council Election

Vote counting for the Tweed Shire Council election is in progress after residents cast their votes on Saturday. The final results are expected to be declared between 1 and 3 October, with postal votes still being accepted until 6 pm on Friday, 27 September.

The NSW Electoral Commission, which manages elections for most councils across the state, will continue the counting process over the next several days. Progressive tallies can be accessed on the Commission’s website.

Tweed Shire Council General Manager Troy Green expressed gratitude to the community for their participation in the election. “We’re pleased the election process has run smoothly and look forward to working with the newly elected Councillors,” Mr. Green said. He also thanked all candidates and their supporters for their efforts throughout the campaign.

A total of 45 candidates contested the 7 Councillor positions in the Tweed Shire. Once the results are declared, an Extraordinary Meeting will be held on Tuesday, 10 October, where the new Councillors will take their oath or affirmation of office and elect the Mayor and Deputy Mayor. The Councillors will also undertake an induction program to prepare them for their 4-year term.

For more information, visit the NSW Electoral Commission website or contact 1300 135 736.

For more local elections news, click here.

Tweed Community Groups Invited to Apply for Australia Day Event Funding

By Ian Rogers

Community organisations across the Tweed are encouraged to apply for financial assistance from Tweed Shire Council to host Australia Day events in 2025. This funding is available for small-scale events held within three days of Australia Day, offering groups an opportunity to celebrate the occasion in ways that reflect their local identity.

Mathew Greenwood, Council’s Acting Manager of Corporate Governance, highlighted the importance of these events in fostering community connection. “With this funding, we’re enabling groups to celebrate Australia Day in a manner that reflects their unique local character,” Mr Greenwood said. “Local Australia Day gatherings bring our diverse communities together in a meaningful way, and we’re excited to see the events our community groups have in store.”

Funding Levels

The amount of funding provided is based on the expected attendance, with the following three categories of support:

• Category 1: $300 for events with up to 149 participants
• Category 2: $400 for events expecting 150–249 participants
• Category 3: $500 for events with 250 or more participants

Community organisations applying for the first time will automatically be placed in Category 1.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for funding, organisations must:

• Be located within the Tweed region and provide an outline of the planned event
• Be an incorporated body with public liability insurance
• Ensure the event is open to the public, not limited to members or private businesses

In addition, successful applicants must:

• List their event on Council’s calendar of events at whatsontweed.com.au
• Acknowledge Council’s support in all promotional materials and on the event day

For events held on Council-managed land, such as parks or beaches, all necessary permits and approvals must be obtained.

Application Process

Applications will be reviewed by the Tweed Shire Australia Day Awards Selection Panel in late October 2024.

To apply, complete the application form available on Council’s Australia Day webpage and submit it by midnight on Friday 11 October 2024.

This initiative provides community groups with the chance to contribute to the celebration of Australia Day while fostering unity and pride across the Tweed region.

For more Tweed Shire news, click here.