The Queensland Government is driving a low-emissions transport future with five electric buses hitting the streets of Cairns next month.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said it builds on the Palaszczuk Government’s recently released Zero Emissions Vehicle strategy.

“We’ve made a commitment that every new bus in South East Queensland would be zero emission from 2025, so to see it happening now is a fantastic achievement,” Mr Bailey said.

“That commitment expands to our regions between 2025 and 2030.”

Member for Cairns Michael Healy said the arrival of the buses was part of Queensland’s commitment to reach net-zero by 2050.

“Having emissions free buses here in Cairns is fantastic not only for our local environment, but for all of Queensland,” Mr Healy said.

“Transport is the second biggest emitter in Queensland but is rapidly evolving to embrace zero emissions technology.

“Our research shows each electric bus could save as much as 1,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases over its lifespan and deliver many community benefits with less noise and harmful air pollution.”

Member for Barron River Craig Crawford said the electric buses will be a welcome addition to the Cairns public transport network.

“Electric buses are better for the environment and mean people will be breathing in fresher, cleaner air when they are walking around,” Mr Crawford said.

“We’ve had some electric buses in SEQ since April last year, so to now see them arriving in Cairns is fantastic news.

“Queensland is seizing the opportunities to act on climate change, create jobs and set Queensland in a nation-leading position for the future.”

Speaker of the Queensland Parliament and Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt said protecting the environment was especially important in Far North Queensland, home to the Great Barrier Reef.

“We know climate change is impacting the reef so to be taking direct action on climate change with zero emissions buses is an important step forward for Far North Queensland,” Mr Pitt said.

“I’m sure customers across the Far North will enjoy riding on the new buses knowing that the project is playing an important role in the future of public transport in this state.”

Kinetic Co-CEO Adam Begg said Kinetic was excited to partner with TransLink to enhance the public transport experience and make bus travel greener and cleaner.

“This year alone we’ll be introducing 20 zero emission buses to Queensland roads across Cairns, the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast,” Mr Begg said.

“We congratulate the Queensland Government on its leadership transitioning bus networks to greener, cleaner technologies and we’re proud to bring to the table our experience operating zero emissions buses in other major cities including in Auckland, Christchurch and soon in Melbourne.”