Second electric vehicle charging station a positive for environment & economy

The new station is funded by the State Government and forms part of Queensland’s Electric Super Highway, a network of fast charging stations allowing vehicles to travel from Cairns to Coolangatta and Brisbane to Toowoomba.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said global economies had been impacted by COVID-19, and Queensland wasn’t immune, but the state’s strong health response to-date meant the Palaszczuk Government and councils could continue to deliver a plan to Unite and Recover for Queensland Jobs.

“That includes nurturing advanced technologies and creating jobs in this space, and driving new tourism opportunities for the Whitsunday region,” Mr Bailey said.

"By adding a new charger here at Proserpine, visitors with electric vehicles can explore what the area has to offer while they charge their vehicle.

“It adds to a $50 million investment on the Bruce Highway happening right now, which is supporting 95 jobs.

"Queensland already has the world's longest electric vehicle highway in a single state and we are continuing to build on that."

Mayor Andrew Willcox said the installation of the second electric vehicle charging station in the Whitsundays is another example of council utilising green energy and looking towards sustainable solutions for the future.

“This program aims to drive the next generation of motoring tourists to our region with the stations strategically located to give drivers the opportunity to hop out and stretch their legs, visit our parks and amenities and explore the town,” he said.

“In addition to contributing to our local tourism economy, electric vehicles provide a range of benefits including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transport costs and oil dependency while increasing efficiency public health and improving urban amenity.”

It is anticipated that electric vehicles will start to become more cost effective as lower cost models come into Australia in the next couple of years.

To view a map of the electric car charging network in Queensland visit: https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/projects/electricvehicles/future/super-highway