This is like, totally one of the best things the Government has done. As of August 13th, the Australian Government will be giving out grants to people wanting to change their cars to LPG.

$2000 for people changing their cars to LPG.
$1000 for people when they buy a car that uses LPG.

This is so awesome! Application forms will be available in September.

Why this is so awesome? Because a lot of people want to convert to LPG because its good for the environment and it is so much cheaper (running costs). However, it costs a lot (around $2000) to convert and it'll take atleast 3 years of driving on LPG for that to pay back. Now we don't have to wait out those 3 years! This is such a great incentive.

I just recently read Stupid White Men (Steve, I've been wanting to return it since last week but you didn't come to squash so it'll have to be another time!). And reading about the lack of concern for the environment in the United States (even though George Bush's house is like the most ecofriendly physical human dwelling possible) and the fact that fuel efficiency is never really a concern... and thinking that Australia is not so far behind (Kyoto Protocol, peoples)... this move to provide grants for people to convert to and use LPG is such great news.

Will I be changing to LPG? Probably. Depends what's happening with the car issue at home. My brother will be taking over my fuel guzzling 6-cylinder Magna very soon when he gets his Ps in October. I, on the other hand, will be taking over my mum's Mercedes (buahahahahahahaha). It's a C class and it is very fuel efficient. Whether or not that will change to LPG is my mum's decision because it is her car, but I will definitely be encouraging Justin to convert the Magna. Not only is it awesome for the environment, it saves so much on $$$. A quick calculation means that it'll save about $27 a week or $1400 a year in fuel costs on a six-cylinder vehicle travelling 15,000km a year - which is where I'm sitting at. Not having a job lately, fuel is all I spend on now.

This grant will hopefully see a push towards alternative fuels. LPG is great because it gives a similar performance to petrol engines (in terms of torque), the cars can be easily converted, safer than petrol in a crash (no your car won't just explode while driving). You may have a sudden reduction in boot size and payload but hey... for someone like me who just uses a car to get me places and not having to tow, carry lots of stuff, or illegally race my car... I think it will be just perfect.

Would you convert your car now with this grant??