Installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Unit in Portland

Project Summary

Council will be leasing two car parking spaces within the carpark adjacent to the Henty Street public amenities to Evie Networks Pty Ltd to allow for the installation of a publicly accessible Electric Charging Unit.

The above image outlines proposed carparks (highlighted in red) which will be leased and used for the sole purpose of charging Electric Vehicles.

Background

• Evie Networks on behalf of Fast Cities Australia Pty Ltd were successful in receiving the contract to install electric vehicle (EV) chargers in Glenelg Shire through the State Government’s 2021 “Destination Charging Across Victoria” program which provided $5 million in grants to establish a public electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging network across Victoria.
• Sites were investigated at Portland, Casterton and Dartmoor, all of which have all been identified as key charging locations for the network. The initial location at the Maritime Discovery Centre in Portland was deemed unsuitable. This new proposed site is deemed the most appropriate site meeting all requirements including being close to amenities, well-lit at night, with access to an adequate power supply.

Benefits of the project (Community benefits)

• Promoting environmental sustainability.
• Public access to EV Charging has the potential to increase visitation to the city.
• Access to EV charging will benefit locals and visitors alike as more vehicles transition to electric power

What was heard

Thank you to all those who took the time to provide their valuable feedback on the proposed EV Charging Station in Portland, outside the Henty Street amenities.

We received a range of responses during the consultation period, which can be best summarised below:

• A third of respondents were not supportive of the proposed location;
• A third of respondents were very supportive of the proposed location;
• The remaining third were ‘neutral’ about the proposed location;

Respondents who were against the proposed site suggested the infrastructure be installed at one of the local service stations. Which, as this is private land, is not within Council’s remit and is unfortunately not possible under this lease agreement.  

Respondents who were in favour of the proposed site noted the easy access and proximity to local shops and amenities.

Respondents who were ‘neutral’ about the proposed site were very supportive of more electric vehicle (EV) chargers being installed in Portland, and for Council to take a lead in this space.

What was decided 

The location was brought to Council at the June Council Meeting and Councillors unanimously voted to endorse the EV Charging Station outside the Henty Street amenities.

Councillors noted the vast majority’s support for the charging station, and the rare opportunity Council has to install this infrastructure at no cost to the ratepayer.

Councillors also noted that the Henty Street amenities are scheduled for an upgrade as part of our 2023/24 Budget, and there will be works undertaken to ‘refresh’ this building, making it more enticing for locals and visitors.

What happens next

Final documentation will be prepared between Council and Fast Cities Australia. Once this is finalised, Fast Cities will look to undertake works to install the infrastructure. 

We anticipate the new station will be up and running by the end of the year.