Councils launch plan to plug in and Power Up

29 November 2017

Strategy for fast charge points to smooth entry for electric vehicles

Tweed Shire Council and its Byron neighbour have entered into an agreement to make the region more friendly for electric vehicles.

The Power Up strategy will focus on providing more fast charge points around the region, specifically targeting locations along popular tourist routes.

Tweed Shire Councillor Chris Cherry said the strategy will help make electric cars a more realistic choice for drivers.

“Electric vehicles already have a range of more than 500 kilometres and people overseas are jumping on board with this technology,” Cr Cherry said.

“Business owners, keen to have a market edge, will certainly be thinking of installing a charge station at their location and we are happy to support them.

“Electric vehicle maker Tesla has predicted the end of the combustion engine by 2020, so Tweed Shire Council is moving with the times and is very supportive of introducing the electric charge network.”

Councils across the Northern Rivers have resolved to incorporate electric vehicles into their fleets and the Power Up strategy will allow work to start on building the charging infrastructure needed to make a true transition to more sustainable transport options.

Byron Shire Mayor Councillor Simon Richardson said electric cars are a great choice for environmentally conscious people because they have zero greenhouse emissions and low operating costs.

“If more of these stations are installed along popular routes and tourist spots people can travel confidently knowing they will be able to get to their destination,” Cr Richardson said.

“It will also be an incentive for more local people to invest in electric cars and that would be a great thing for our environment.

“Power Up has been prepared by the regional collaboration Sustain Northern Rivers, led by Byron and Tweed shire councils, to create a plan for sustainable electric vehicle use into the future.”

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Caption: Tweed Shire Councillor Chris Cherry and Byron Shire Mayor Simon Richardson at the launch of the Power Up Strategy.