Council is partnering with 11 municipalities, the Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance (CVGA) and the Victorian Government to roll out a public network of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations in regional Victoria.
As part of the roll-out Ouyen is set to receive a DC fast charger, making it the second public EV charging station in our region.
Councillor for Environment and Farming Sustainability Anthony Cirillo said Council was among six participating municipalities to share in $664,000 in Victorian Government funding as part of the CVGA-led project.
Up to 24 EV charging stations will be installed on Council-owned land in 17 priority locations across the 12 municipalities. These sites were identified in the first stage of the Charging the Regions report undertaken by the CVGA and local governments earlier this year. Cr Cirillo said the addition of at least one EV charger in our region – in Ouyen – would increase connectivity for the Mallee.
“Our remote location in far north west Victoria makes our municipality the ideal candidate for this program,” he said.
“This will make our region an even more attractive place to visit as more drivers take up electric vehicles.
“It will also provide much-needed economic stimulus during the challenging times we’re currently facing, as well as boosting tourism opportunities once COVID-19 restrictions are eased.”
CVGA Executive Officer Rob Law echoed Cr Cirillo’s comments.
“It will ensure that the regions do not get left behind as more and more electric cars hit the road,” Mr Law said.
“It will help boost jobs, stimulate EV tourism and encourage people who live in regional Victoria to think about ‘going electric’ on their next vehicle purchase.”
The CVGA has released an open tender for the supply, installation and maintenance of the new charging network. The tender is requesting a mix of 25kW and 50kW chargers across participating municipalities. Tenders close on Tuesday 6 October 2020. For details on the tender visit www.eprocure.com.au/centralgoldfields
