Keogh calls for EV charging station probe

A MOORABOOL Shire councillor wants the municipality to investigate providing electric vehicle charging stations within its boundaries.

Cr John Keogh was scheduled to submit a notice of motion to Wednesday’s monthly council meeting seeking that a report be prepared on installing public charging stations because there are none between Ballarat and Melton.

His motion called for preparation of a business case study on the feasibility, costs, delivery models and potential partnerships of providing charging stations at “strategic” locations.

“With the growing uptake of electric vehicles (EVs) across Victoria and Australia, there is a timely opportunity for Moorabool Shire to support tourism, economic activity and regional connectivity through improved EV infrastructure,” Cr Keogh said in his motion.

“In the first half of 2025, EVs comprised over 12 per cent of all new car sales in Australia (up from 9.6 per cent in the first half of 2024), with June alone reaching nearly 16 per cent market share – a record high.

“Nationally, more than 350,000 Australians are now driving EVs including utes, SUVs and hatchbacks.”

Cr Keogh said just over 50,000 EVs were registered in Victoria as of mid-2024, reflecting strong state-level growth.

“Despite this progressive uptake, there remains no public EV charging station between Ballarat and Melton,” the motion’s explanatory notes said.

“Installing or encouraging the installation of charging stations within walking distance of the Bacchus Marsh and Ballan shopping precincts would strategically encourage visitors to recharge, explore and spend locally, thereby benefiting traders and enhancing visitor experience.”

Cr Keogh’s move comes as the State Government pursues a zero-emissions road transport sector by 2045.

The Government is aiming for half of all light vehicle sales in Victoria to be zero emissions vehicles by 2030, and continues to promote EVs for private use.

It has removed direct buying subsidies and stamp duty exemptions for passenger EVs but still supports charging networks through existing funding channels.

The Federal Government also offers some subsidies for EVs.