The workshop was facilitated by International Association of Natural Gas Vehicles (IANGV) Executive Director Brett Jarman, who said “Ten years ago, NGVs were a great idea whose time hadn’t quite yet come. OEMs and fleet operators were for the most part reluctant participants and the technology wasn’t quite ripe.

“Nowadays the technology is proven as outstanding, the OEMs are eager to see more of it on the road, and fleet operators are keen to have the vehicles in their fleet as soon as possible.

“It’s a total turnaround and it was satisfying to see some of that enthusiasm directed towards focused outcomes at the workshop,” Mr Jarman said.

Key outcomes of the NGV Australia workshop and a board meeting held immediately prior included:

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- Commitments to submit a proposal containing industry recommendations for a renewed conversion or tax credit program designed to lower price differentials borne by fleet operators for natural gas vehicles.

- Acceptance of an invitation to join the Asia-Pacific NGV Association

- Establishment of a team to review fuel excise arrangements due to come in to force in Australia from July 2011

Most recently, BOC committed $A65 million to upgrade its LNG plant in Dandenong, Victoria as part of the establishment of a series of LNG refuelling stations for vehicles along Australia’s east coast.