Kiama Council is charging through with plans to build public fast-charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs) in the LGA.

Council participated in a NSW Government feasibility study conducted by contractor Chargeworks to find the best locations for fast-charging stations. Council will report its findings in the coming months.

There are currently no public charging stations in the Kiama LGA, with the closest being Shell Cove. Woolworths has confirmed plans to build four EV chargers in the new Kiama development, but these are not considered public.

Kiama Mayor Neil Reilly reconfirmed Council’s commitment to fund and deliver public EV charging stations in the LGA. Council has participated in several Expressions of Interest and submitted several applications for funding over the years but has been unsuccessful.

“I am hopeful that the organisation continues to move more vehicles in the fleet to EVs and hybrids in the longer-term,” Mayor Reilly said.

“I see this as a natural progression towards a more sustainable model of fleet and energy management, that aligns with our net zero targets. The Councillors and I will continue to advocate for additional EV charging infrastructure in our area. Change is coming. I’m proud to be part of it!”

Kiama Council is also doing its part to reduce emissions as part of the Corporate Emissions Reduction Plan it adopted in 2021, which set a target to reduce emissions of all of its operations, facilities and services to net zero by 2031.

The Mayoral vehicle assigned to Mayor Reilly was recently updated to an EV, a Hyundai Kona. The previous vehicle was five years old and had exceeded the replacement policy threshold.

“Going fully electric supports our net zero goals and I wanted to lead by example,” Mayor Reilly said.

While Kiama remains without a fast-charging power station, Council installed a power point near the Mayor’s assigned parking spot at Council Chambers so the Mayor can at least get from A to B!

Council has also adopted a new electric waste truck for household bin collection that meets Euro V1 (6) emissions standards.