Singleton is set to become the latest postcode to welcome electric vehicle charging bays.
The township with a population of just over 25,000 has been chosen as one of nine NSW local government areas (LGAs) to trial the sustainable alternative.
Three new charging bays will soon be installed on power poles in Castlereagh Street, Townhead Cresent and York Street.
The installation is thanks to the Intellihub Streetside Charging Project catering for EV drivers who live in apartments, townhouses or units that don’t have access to EV charging on-site.
By utilising existing infrastructure, the EV charging stations will allow for convenient top-ups, as well as overnight charging.
Singleton Council’s director infrastructure and planning services Justin Fitzpatrick-Barr says the project also had the potential to stimulate tourism and economic development opportunities.
“At Singleton Council, we want to set the example for how we can all play a role in taking action now to benefit the people and local environment of Singleton into the future,” he said.
“Part of that commitment is leading by example, and we know Singleton is a progressive community – there has been a 93% increase in electric vehicle registrations in our LGA in the last ten months alone – and it’s vital that we’re part of the solution to encourage and support the adoption of electric vehicles in regional NSW.”
The trial, he adds, is supported by government and will assist council in delivering the objectives of Goal 11 under its adopted United Nations Sustainable Development Goal within the Singleton Sustainability Strategy to drive innovation by increasing options for transportation in Singleton.
The supply of EV infrastructure is a critically important step in achieving emissions reduction goals and net zero ambitions.
“Singleton is a key location between the lower Hunter, New England and beyond, and we’re excited to take part in this trial that utilises streetside power poles,” Mr Fitzpatrick-Barr said.
“We’re playing our part in the solution to providing more charging infrastructure to increase the ease of electric vehicle charging, thereby supporting electric vehicle uptake to reduce emissions and improve the overall wellbeing of our community.
“Currently, there is limited infrastructure locally with just two charging points in Singleton, and this trial has the potential to stimulate tourism and economic development opportunities by giving owners of electric vehicles confidence that they can visit Singleton knowing they will have sufficient range and capacity to make the journey.
“Positioning charging facilities in proximity to our town centre provides opportunities to attract EV owners and increase the time their spending in our CBD, thereby stimulating local business outcomes.”
The Intellihub Streetside Charging Trial is funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).
The trial will see the deployment of 50 EV charging stations installed on street-side power poles across Australia.
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