Southern Grampians Shire Council will relocate the EV charger from the Beersheba Memorial Park in Hamilton to the Hamilton Visitor Information Centre (VIC).
Council voted at last night’s September council meeting to move the EV charger to Hamilton Place, just south-west of the Hamilton VIC building.
Council was allocated two free EVIE Networks Electric Vehicle Charging Stations as part of the Victorian Government’s Destination Charging Across Victoria program.
One was installed at Beersheba Memorial Park next to the Hamilton Uniting Church and the other erected at the southern side of Memorial Park in Dunkeld, which is currently in operation.
CEO Tony Doyle said following the installation of the Hamilton EV station in May 2023, Council received a request from Hamilton RSL to relocate the station. Whilst Council undertook some community engagement about the location of the Hamilton charge point, it neglected to consult with the RSL, which was an oversight.
“Based on this request a motion was presented at the June council meeting to consult with the community about an alternative location for the EV charger,” said Mr Doyle.
“Council requested EVIE Networks provide us with recommendations for alternative locations. After an extensive review of possible locations – taking into account safety, land ownership and power access – they suggested south-west of the visitor information centre, or in Thompson Street opposite the Shell service station.
“In August, council conducted a survey asking for feedback about the two alternative locations, as well as invited views about retaining the EV station at its current location. The survey was promoted via local print and radio media outlets and on council’s social media platforms.
“We attracted almost 400 survey responses with a range of comments providing an interesting mix of views for councillors’ consideration,” he said.
Mr Doyle explained that more than half of the respondents voted for the EV to be relocated behind the Visitor Information Centre because it was easy-to-find, safe and had enough space for vehicles. Many believed that a town’s VIC tends to be the first practical place when searching for an EV charger.
“Some respondents thought having the EV charger at the VIC would enable visitors to learn more about what’s on offer in the region and be in walking distance to Hamilton’s shops and public facilities giving them lots to do whilst waiting for their car to charge,” he said.
“We thank everyone who participated in the survey and took the time to submit their thoughts.”
The installation of EV chargers in Hamilton and Dunkeld is part of council’s commitment to sustainability as Victoria strives for a 2020 target for half of all new light vehicle sales to be zero emissions.
