Draft EV Charging Policy – Out now for Public Exhibition
Published on 13 June 2024
Southern Grampians Shire Council approved at last night’s ordinary Council meeting to release the draft Electric Vehicle Infrastructure policy for public exhibition.
The draft policy will address the coordinated roll-out of future EV charging infrastructure across the Shire to support the transition to zero emissions vehicles.
Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor David Robertson said the policy will help guide Council on the installation of EV charging infrastructure on Council-owned or managed land.
“This policy is vital to assist us in our decision making for the future locations for EV charging stations or relevant infrastructure,” said Cr Robertson.
“This draft policy will guide the Council process when assessing a request from within Council and/or external providers seeking to install EV charging infrastructure on our land.
“The Federal Government is introducing new minimum standards for vehicles which has created a new market for electric vehicles. To support this transition, EV infrastructure will need to be installed across the Shire over the coming years and will also play an important part in contributing to our developing sustainability plan, economic growth and tourism.”
Charging infrastructure locations must consider the following:
- Proximity to shopping areas that enables patronage to local businesses during short stay charging.
- Destinations where people visit for relatively longer charging durations.
- Areas close to community activities and facilities.
- Priority locations where future EV demand is expected to be high with minimal impact on parking needs. Impact on streetscape, amenity and public open space is minimised.
- Installation of a range of slow, medium and fast EV chargers to cater for different charging needs.
- EV charging locations will be listed on Council’s website and through external channels where appropriate.
- Land Manager Consent and licence Agreement process applies where relevant.
- A public interest test assessing the proposal’s community/commercial benefit, project costs and associated risks.
- In the absence of Australian Standards mandating a single connector standard, Council encourages EV chargers that prioritise compatibility with EVs in the public market. Where possible, Council favours Combined Charging System with capability for both Alternating Current and Direct Current charging.
Cr Robertson said EV charging infrastructure proposals must also ensure consultation with utilities and the community in particular neighbouring residents and businesses prior to installation.
“We will also require consultation prior to placement, clear responsibilities regarding the full life-cycle for the infrastructure, that electrical infrastructure is powered by 100% renewable energy, lighting, appropriate signage and more.
“For the policy in full, please visit our website and tell us what you think or contact our Sustainability Team for more information,” concluded Cr Robertson.
Submissions can be made online via our Have Your Say page on the Council website by Monday 15 July 2024.