Kingston will soon boast several new public electric vehicle charging stations, thanks to Council investment and Victorian Government grant funding.

Mayor, Cr Steve Staikos (pictured), said that Kingston Council is an active member of the South East Council’s Climate Change Alliance and is passionate about a zero emissions future.

“We have declared a Climate and Ecological Emergency and have a target to reduce community CO2 emissions to net zero by 2030,” said Cr Staikos. “To help us reach this target, we are committed to finding zero emission and energy saving transport solutions.”

Following a successful grant application, Kingston Council secured state government funding for a new public charger at Peter Scullin Reserve in Mordialloc.

This charger will be installed thanks to the Victorian Government’s $5 million Destination Charging Across Victoria (DCAV) Program.

Powered by renewable energy, it will provide a fast-charger that community members are encouraged to use, with multi-plugs for different electric vehicle types.

On top of the state government funded charger being installed in Mordialloc, City of Kingston is also in the process of separately funding and installing another public charger located in the car park behind Woolworths, on Bath St, Chelsea, which will be operational in early 2022.

Melaleuca Ward Councillor Tim Cochrane is excited to see one of Kingston’s first EV charging stations established in Mordialloc.

“Both stations will provide important charging pit-stops for anyone enjoying a coastal drive along the Nepean Highway. And are a short detour from East Link and the Mordialloc Freeway,” Cr Cochrane said.

Longbeach Ward Councillor, Georgina Oxley, emphasised the importance of delivering public charging stations across Melbourne.

“The DCAV program is set to install approximately 141 electric vehicle fast-charging stations in 116 tourist and high-use areas across Victoria which will also see more chargers installed in our municipality, including the Morris Moor site in Moorabbin,” Cr Oxley said.

Karkarook Ward Councillor and SECCA Representative, Cr Hadi Saab, emphasised the importance of addressing transport-related carbon emissions, which currently make up 21 per cent to Kingston’s overall emissions profile.

“We will continue to look at other opportunities to support community members to opt for zero emission transportation options and hope these new electric vehicle charging stations provide some incentive for further uptake of electric vehicles in the area,” Cr Saab said.