Community
17 November, 2023
Plug in and charge
ELECTRIC vehicle owners now have access to a new charging station in the Flagstaff Hill carpark.
The 50kw charging station is conveniently located right next to Flagstaff Hill and the town’s visitor information centre, as well as a short walk from the CBD, Lake Pertobe and the foreshore.
The station allows two cars to be charged simultaneously, with one charger equipped with a CHAdeMo plus and the other with a CCS 2 plug, making it suitable for most electric vehicles.
Motorists also have the option to use their own adapter if needed. Warrnambool City Council is confident the location will prove popular with visitors due to its close proximity to attractions and businesses.
Cr Richard Ziegeler believes the new charging station will help drive tourism to the city. “In the first half of 2023, over eight per cent of new cars bought in Australia were electric; more than double the previous year’s rate so things are growing rapidly,” Cr Ziegeler said.
“For anyone travelling with an electric vehicle, they need the surety that they will be able to find a charger, and by giving them that peace of mind we hope to attract more visitors to Warrnambool.” Council was able to access $40,000 in grant funding via the Victorian Government’s ‘Destination Charging Across Victoria’ program to help offset the construction costs.
Users will pay 40c/kw to charge their vehicles. As well as helping to drive tourism, the new charger will play a role in making it easier for everyone to transition to lower emission vehicles and the significant environmental benefits they bring.
Council has committed to becoming a carbon neutral organisation by 2026 and aims to be a carbon neutral community by 2040.
