Noosa to lead electric vehicle charge

Mayor Tony Wellington says Council is considering installing roadside public charging stations as Noosa gears up for the global shift to electric vehicles.

“Electric buses will hit our streets in the new year, in a joint pilot trial with Translink. But now we’re also starting to think about where we might install public charging stations for private vehicles,” Cr Wellington said.

“There is no doubt a strong global trend towards electric vehicles, which is set to accelerate. As this technology improves and becomes more affordable Noosa can either jump on board or else get left behind.”

Quebec already has more than 1,000 public chargers available to its citizens. India has announced an aim to be 100% electric in all its vehicles by 2030.

“Noosa has a reputation for being at the forefront of environmental activities and I think there’s a real opportunity to encourage greater take-up and use of electric vehicles locally,” the Mayor said.

“I am very pleased to see that some of our local tourism operators are already onto this trend. RACV Noosa has been trialling two electric Nissan Leaf cars that they make available to their guests for just $30 a day.”

RACV Noosa Resort's Danny Cannon said RACV is committed to sustainability at its resort properties, including the use of sustainable transport.
 
“The take-up of the electric cars at RACV Noosa has grown since they were introduced in January. Every day at least one of the electric cars is used by our guests. RACV has also installed two charging stations at Australia Zoo as part of our commitment to environmental responsibility," Mr Cannon said.

Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort has two electric vehicle charging stations installed. According to their Chief Engineer, Richard Phillips, this has already attracted Tesla drivers to stay at their establishment.

“Electric vehicles have clear health and environmental benefits, particularly where they are charged with 100% renewable electricity," Cr Wellington said. "Despite some political and even consumer resistance here in Australia, the future is renewable energy and electric transport."

"In the meantime, Noosa Council is working closely with Beyond Zero Emissions to audit all of its operations and thus set a zero emissions target."

6 July 2016