Council Takes Steps Towards a Greener Future with New Electric Mower

Published on 22 October 2024

In a significant move to reduce its environmental footprint, Bellingen Shire Council has introduced its first electric ride-on mower, replacing the traditional diesel-powered model. This initiative marks an important milestone in Council’s journey towards achieving its ambitious emission reduction targets and transitioning to more sustainable operations.

Most people might not think of their lawn when considering climate change, but traditional petrol and diesel mowers are surprisingly heavy polluters. In fact, lawn mowers can emit more greenhouse gases than a typical car. The pollutants released—carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds, and nitrous oxides—not only contribute to global climate change but also degrade local air quality.

Council operates a fleet of ride-on mowers to maintain its parks, reserves, sporting grounds, and open spaces. Just one of these mowers can produce up to 15 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually, compared to the 2.4 tonnes emitted by an average car in NSW. To tackle this issue, Council has made a forward-thinking decision to transition to electric alternatives.

The new electric mower, charged entirely from renewable energy sources, produces zero tailpipe emissions. Its benefits extend beyond emissions reductions:

• Quieter operation, reducing noise pollution for the community.
• Reduced vibration, enhancing operator comfort.
• Zero direct emissions, improving air quality both locally and for the operator.

While the upfront cost of the electric mower is higher than that of its diesel counterpart, the savings on fuel and maintenance mean that after just over three years, these machines are financially comparable.

This move is part of broader actions outlined in Council’s Corporate Carbon Plan, adopted in 2019. The Plan sets three ambitious goals: 100% renewable energy by 2030, a 45% reduction in emissions by 2030 (compared to 2009/10 levels), and achieving net zero emissions by 2040. The electric mower is a tangible step toward these goals.

Bellingen Shire Mayor, Cr Steve Allan, and General Manager, Mark Griffioen, had their first look at the new electric mower this week. After receiving an induction from Council staff, both tested the mower to experience the differences between the traditional diesel model and the new electric version.

"It’s very easy to pick up speed, so it takes some getting used to," Mayor Allan commented. "But it’s much more comfortable and noticeably quieter, which is a nice added benefit”

General Manager Mark Griffioen echoed the sentiment: "It was a fun, smooth ride and a great opportunity to get hands-on with the new investment. It really helps to understand the benefits from a practical perspective."

Cr Allan also emphasised the significance of initiatives like this in the broader fight against climate change.

"This is a great step forward for Bellingen Shire as we work towards more sustainable operations and reducing our carbon footprint," he said. “When people think about actions to combat climate change, their lawn isn’t usually the first thing that comes to mind. But petrol mowers contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and local air pollution. By investing in electric alternatives, we’re not only reducing emissions but also cutting costs in the long run. This new mower is an exciting step forward for Bellingen Shire, and it shows our commitment to achieving our sustainability targets,” said Cr Allan.

The staged transition to electric equipment, including plant and fleet vehicles, is just one of the many ways Bellingen Shire Council is working to create a cleaner, greener future for the community.