Following community feedback, Southern Grampians Shire Council will be relocating the site of the currently inactive Hamilton EVIE electric vehicle charging station. The charging station will be moved from its current location east of Beersheba Memorial Park in Hamilton to behind the Hamilton Visitor Information Centre (VIC).
In April 2023, Council was allocated two EVIE Networks Electric Vehicle Charging Stations as part of the Victorian Government’s Destination Charging Across Victoria program, free of any costs to Council. One unit was installed in Dunkeld. Following installation of a charger on Lonsdale Street, east of Beersheba Memorial Park, Council received a request from Hamilton RSL to relocate the station.
In August 2023, Council conducted a survey asking the Southern Grampians community for feedback about alternative locations for the EV charger.
Council resolved at Wednesday night’s March meeting to relocate the unit at a cost of $25,000 and to have the existing site decommissioned. Council have requested that EVIE remove the current unit before ANZAC day 2024.
Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Cr David Robertson said he was pleased an outcome had been reached, in consultation with the community and advice provided by EVIE Networks.
“We attracted almost 400 survey responses throughout this engagement process with comments providing an interesting mix of views for councillors’ consideration,” he said.
Cr Robertson explained that more than half of the respondents voted for the EV charger to be relocated behind the VIC because it was easy-to-find, safe and had enough space for parking. Many believe that a town’s VIC tends to be the first practical place when searching for an EV charger. Comments also reflected the Hamilton RSL views that the current location wasn’t the most appropriate location.
“Having the EV charger at the VIC will have the benefit of enabling visitors to learn more about what’s on offer in the region and be in walking distance to Hamilton’s shops and public facilities whilst waiting for their car to charge,” he said.
“Council is pleased to have reached the final decision and look forward to the community and visitors alike being able to use this EV charger in Hamilton,” concluded Cr Robertson.
The installation of EV chargers in Hamilton and Dunkeld demonstrates Council’s commitment to sustainability in providing greater access to charging equipment across the Southern Grampians Shire.
