The transport sector is Queensland’s third largest source of emissions overall, reflecting Queensland’s economic growth and the importance of motor vehicles for passenger cars and freight.
In 2022, emissions were 21.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e) or 17.3% of Queensland’s total emissions.
Queensland has the second-highest share of emissions from the transport sector behind New South Wales.
Long-term trend
While the long-term trend indicates increasing emissions, transport emissions decreased by approximately 9% from 2019 to 2022, likely due to the short-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- In 1990, emissions were 11.3 MtCO2e.
- In 2005, emissions were 17.8 MtCO2e.
Road transport
Road transport is the main source of this sector’s greenhouse gas emissions, contributing 85.4% in 2022.
- Passenger cars account for 41.9% of the sector’s emissions (8.9 MtCO2e).
- Heavy-duty trucks and buses generated 24.6% (5.3 MtCO2e), most attributed to trucks.
- Light commercial vehicles generated 18.8% (4.0 MtCO2e).
Air transport
Domestic aviation accounted for 8.5% of the sector’s emissions (1.8 MtCO2e). Since 2005, its emission contribution has increased by 24%.
Railways and other transport
Disaggregated emissions data from railways and other forms of transport are not provided for 2022. However, their cumulative total is 6.0% (1.3 MtCO2e).
