Electric Super Highway coming to the Central Highlands

Road tripping across the Central Highlands in an electric vehicle is about to become a whole lot easier, with Rolleston joining Emerald and Dingo as part of the Western Queensland Electric Super Highway. 

Last month, the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads announced an additional $1.08 million to be added to the already allocated $2.75 million to build phase 3 of the Electric Super Highway. 

This phase of the super highway will include 24 sites connecting electric vehicle drivers from Goondiwindi to Emerald. 

Community Reference Groups (CRGs) in Rolleston, Emerald and Dingo have met to discuss ideal positioning for the new charging stations. 

Central Highlands Regional Council Mayor, Kerry Hayes, is optimistic these charging stations will grow tourism in the region.

‘The town’s selected ideally place the charging stations close to our key tourism landmarks of Carnarvon Gorge, Blackdown Tablelands and the Gemfields. 

‘We look forward to continuing to work with the Department of Transport and Main Roads to support the implementation of the super highway across the region.’ 

Phase 3 works are expected to start from mid-2022, with all 24 sites expected to become operational by mid-2023.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said this extends the Electric Super Highway from Mount Isa in the northwest to Goondiwindi in the south.

‘This provides a regional connector between rural and city areas to create more tourism and economic development opportunities,’ he said.

‘The Palaszczuk Government will continue to work with delivery partner, Yurika, and local councils across the state to determine the most appropriate location for the new phase 3 sites and obtain the necessary development approvals.’