New charging station for EVs

AN electric vehicle charging station is set to be built at Bannockburn by the end of this year.

The works are set to begin this October and the station will be installed at three parking spots at 29 High Street which is near the entrance to the Bannockburn Library.

Works will take place in the service lane and there may be small disruptions to traffic flow while the installation is being carried out.

The construction will be funded by the State Government’s Destination Charging Across Victoria initiative and being run by Evie Networks, which aims to create a widespread network of electric charging stations across Victoria.

Mayor Cr Brett Cunningham said Golden Plains Shire is happy to support a transition to electric vehicles through charging stations like this one in Bannockburn and the station installed in Meredith earlier this year.

“Providing more publicly accessible charging stations, particularly in regional and rural areas is seen as a positive step towards making electric vehicles a viable choice for more people,” he said.

It is also hoped the station will increase visitation to Bannockburn and contribute to economic growth in the region.

Sustainable transport is one the 48 actions in the Golden Plains Shire’s Climate Emergency Action Plan 2022-2032 which was adopted last year.

“Council is committed to do our part to mitigate, adapt and respond to climate change, and work alongside the Golden Plains community as we all deal with the current and future impacts climate instability has on our Shire,” said Cr Cunningham.

The station will include a fast-charging unit which can charge a vehicle in 30 to 40 minutes and will cost around $30.

Two vehicles will be able use this unit at once although it will result in a longer charge time.