East Gippsland is on the road to being electric vehicle (EV) friendly, with a network of charging stations now operational across the shire.
The new infrastructure will benefit EV owners, visitors, tourism operators and local businesses alike … and the environment.
In a first for the region, East Gippsland Shire Council is installing seven 50kW fast chargers by the end of this year.
Four of those stations - Omeo, Bairnsdale, Orbost and Cann River - are now available, while Mallacoota, Lakes Entrance and Buchan are planned.
Council is also working with private companies to support the installation of additional stations.
Mayor, Cr Mark Reeves said the installation of about 14 EV charging stations across the shire will benefit the growing number of local people considering purchasing EVs.
"We have strategically located the stations to ensure they are all within range for local people, and also complement charging stations outside East Gippsland," Cr Reeves said.
"Having the charging stations available also opens a new tourism market for us. Visitors with EVs can now confidently travel to East Gippsland, and travel within and through our great shire.
"In time, this will mean money in the cash registers for local cafes, bakeries and pubs, and foot traffic through local stores."
The initiative is part of Council's ongoing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable transportation options.
"By investing in EV charging infrastructure and using 100 per cent renewable energy, we are taking an important step towards a cleaner, greener future," Cr Reeves said.
COUNCIL CHARGERS
Four Council chargers have been funded by the Australian Government's Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program Round 2 ($400,000) and Council ($50,000).
Dual plug 50kW fast chargers are available in:
• Bairnsdale: 121 Nicholson Street carpark
• Omeo: Tongio Road
• Orbost: 5 Wolseley Street carpark
• Cann River: Ward Street
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program was designed to fund important local projects.
"The Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program is designed to support councils identifying and funding shovel ready projects that will benefit the region," Mr Chester said.
"More people are considering electric vehicles and having these charging stations in our region makes it a more attractive place to explore and boost our tourism economy."
A further three chargers will be added before the end of 2023 as part of planned streetscape upgrades thanks to joint State Government Destination Charging Across Victoria ($150,000) and Council ($150,000) funding and will see 50kW fast chargers installed in:
• Mallacoota: town centre
• Buchan: town centre
• Lakes Entrance: Gray Street carpark
At 50kW, a vehicle plugged in to a charger will add about 50km of range per 10 minutes plugged in. The cost for using Council charging stations will be 40 cents per kilowatt hour, which is competitive with other charging options in Australia.
OTHER CHARGERS
Council has also supported external electric vehicle charging providers in installing chargers.
Evie Networks - 50kW DC EV chargers:
• Bairnsdale: Francis Street - available
• Lakes Entrance: Visitor Information Centre carpark - not yet available
• Paynesville: Raymond Street - not yet available
• Bruthen: Visitor Information Centre - not yet available
Tesla - 75kW DC chargers:
• Cann River: Ward Street - now available, but only charge Tesla cars at this stage. In the coming months they will be made universal and will be modified to charge most other EV models.
