The switch to electric vehicles is happening very quickly in Australia and should be encouraged. Fast chargers should be incentivised along the Princes Highway in Nowra and in the larger beach-side holiday villages and new holiday accommodation should provide overnight charging capability.
Unlike in the cities, where 40% of residents rely on street parking, most Shoalhaven electric car owners are able to provide low-cost overnight charging at their homes. But visitors to the region, who contribute significantly to our economy, are not so lucky because there is a dearth of public charging sites in the Shoalhaven. Currently there are two fast charging stations in Berry and one planned in Ulladulla, but none in Nowra. Visitors to the Shoalhaven cannot make a round-trip from Sydney or Canberra without topping up.
The Shoalhaven Council has a policy on Electric Vehicle Charging Stations on Public Land but more work is needed.
Low-cost incentives available to the Shoalhaven Council:
- Lobby for some of the $20 million earmarked by the Federal Government to install charging ports at regional tourist destinations in the state.
- Simplify and expedite permit approvals for EV charging stations. Some best practices include:
- Standardise the permit review and inspection process.
- Amend zoning ordinances to clarify that DC fast charging (DCFC) is an accessory use that doesn’t require further zoning approval.
- Provide concurrent reviews for building, electrical, and other necessary approvals.
- Mandate overnight charging capability in the DAs for new holiday accommodation. It is inexpensive to wire in a 3-phase 15 or 32amp powerpoint at the construction stage that will support 3kw or 7kw charging using inexpensive equipment.
- Lead by example: install charging ports at Council offices and leisure centres.
Shoalhaven Greens 