More EV chargers on the way

Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Michael Whelan is keen to see a growth in the EV market in Australia.

“After a slow start in Australia, the fast-growing popularity of electric vehicles in Australia is undoubtedly good news for the environment,” the Mayor said in his weekly column.

“The big challenge now for regions is to ensure that locals with EVs, and particularly tourists wanting to visit our beautiful coast and country, can charge when they need to.

“To fast-forward this transition to EV cars, Bass Coast Shire Council is collaborating with East Gippsland, South Gippsland and Wellington Shire Councils to procure the supply, installation, and maintenance of electric vehicle charging stations which will provide a consistent EV fast-charging network across Gippsland.”

Cr Whelan said as part of this project, Bass Coast is installing 50kW EV fast-charging stations at four public sites:

• Phillip Island Visitor Information Centre
• Grantville Transaction Centre
• Inverloch Community Hub
• Wonthaggi Centennial Centre and Art Space Gallery

These charging stations are co-funded by a grant from the state government.

“This program will make EV fast-charging technology readily available at destination locations, including recreational community destinations and high-use locations,” Cr Whelan said.

“It will also create project supply chain and local job with specific skills.

“Bass Coast is also installing 22kW chargers at its Wonthaggi Civic Centre and Wonthaggi Depot sites, that will provide the essential infrastructure needed to accelerate council’s transition to EVs.

“Transitioning to EVs will reduce operating costs and emissions and improve the visibility of EVs in our community.

“In addition, over the longer term, the turn-over of fleets will also provide a flow-on to the second-hand EV market, in turn making EVs more affordable.

“These council fleet chargers are co-funded by the Victorian government under its EV Charging for Council Fleets (EVCCF) program.

“It's a good start, we’re on the right road to our sustainable future.”