Planning is underway for five new electric vehicle charging stations to be installed across the Surf Coast Shire.
The Surf Coast Shire Council has been successful in securing funding as part of the Victorian Government's Destination Charging Across Victoria (DCAV) Program to install four electric vehicle charging stations in Lorne (50kw), Anglesea (22kw), Airey Inlet (22kw) and Winchelsea (22kw).
The council has provided a small funding grant to install a fifth charging station in Moriac (7kw).
The DCAV charging stations will be highly visible, located on high traffic volume roads and tourist routes and in close proximity to important community and commercial infrastructure.
The sites will be planned around existing access to electricity infrastructure and will use the council's 100% renewable electricity supply.
Cr Gary Allen said that the new charging stations were a key part of the council's Climate Emergency Response Plan.
"There has been a lot of community interest in this project, which is a positive sign that local people are keen to transition to electric vehicles," he said.
"We have seen a surge in the demand for electric vehicle charging stations recently, including the Lorne Visitor Information Centre reporting the existing slower charger has cars queuing to use it at times mid-week."
"The new charger stations will play an important part in helping our community reduce transport related greenhouse gas emissions and support the transition to electric vehicles, powered by 100% renewable electricity."
The state government funding agreement has just been finalised, so council officers are about to begin early project delivery steps, including tendering and ongoing stakeholder engagement activities.
To find out where EV charging stations are currently located, go to www.travelvictoria.com.au/victoria/carcharging.
