Port Macquarie is making significant strides in sustainable transportation and energy solutions
Our community’s efforts in increasing EV adoption, installing new charging stations, and participating in innovative trials highlight our commitment to a greener future.
A Surge in Electric Vehicle Registrations
Recently, the State Government revealed that Electric Vehicle (EV) registrations in our Local Government Area (LGA) have more than doubled over the past year, reflecting our community’s enthusiasm for more sustainable transportation.
This growth is also in line with Council’s Regional Infrastructure Transport Strategy, which includes priorities to ‘influence travel behaviour to promote sustainable choices’ and ‘collaborate with key stakeholders to deliver innovative, sustainable transport solutions’ (p. 42).
New EV Charging Stations
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council successfully secured NSW Government funding to install two dual-port EV charging stations. These stations are located at the Lord Street carpark, conveniently situated within walking distance of the library, pool, beaches, shops, and other businesses. This prime location allows visitors to explore and enjoy local amenities while their vehicles recharge.
Innovative Partnerships and Sustainable Trials
Council has partnered with Essential Energy (EE), the State-owned electricity network provider that covers 95% of NSW’s landmass, to pioneer several groundbreaking sustainability projects.
Composite Street Light Pole with Integrated EV Charger
In a first for Australia, Port Macquarie is trialling a composite streetlight pole with an integrated EV charger. This innovative pole is installed on Clarence Street, near Mrs. York’s Garden. The integration of EV chargers into streetlight poles is a clever use of existing infrastructure, making EV charging more accessible and convenient for residents and visitors.
While this trial is now over, hopefully an EV charger will be reinstalled on the composite light pole by Essential Energy in the future.
Power Pole Mounted Community Batteries
Essential Energy will soon be trialling power pole mounted community batteries. These batteries will store surplus solar electricity produced locally, making it available during peak times when grid electricity is more expensive. This initiative will benefit all locals who opt-in, whether they have solar panels or not, promoting energy sharing and reducing electricity costs.
Showcasing Sustainability at Charles Sturt University
Essential Energy and Council recently showcased these innovative trials, along with other efforts to electrify our fleet vehicles and landscaping tools, at the Charles Sturt University Port Macquarie campus. This event highlighted our community’s forward-thinking approach to sustainability and the practical steps we are taking to reduce our carbon footprint.
Port Macquarie is leading the charge towards a sustainable future. With the rapid increase in EV registrations, the installation of new charging stations, and innovative trials like the integrated EV charger street light poles and community batteries, our community is setting an example for others to follow.
