Electric vehicle charging ports installed in Civic Centre public car park
Shellharbour City Council has taken another step towards its net zero target, with the installation of two electric vehicle (EV) charging ports in the Shellharbour Civic Centre's public carpark.
The 22kw wall-mounted charging ports are located on a concrete pillar at the western end of the car park and can be accessed from the parking spaces on either side.
A free trial period will be in place until 30 June 2023. From 1 July, the cost to charge vehicles is $0.60 per kW hour.
The charging ports will be in operation from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, and from 9am to 2.30pm on weekends.
One of the EV chargers is suitable for people with accessibility needs and parents with prams.
Payment is conducted through the ChargeFox app so all users will need to download the app and link a credit/debit card for payment.
Mayor Chris Homer said he was thrilled that Council had taken another step in its commitment to achieving net zero emissions.
"I am passionate about our responsibility to protect our natural world and achieve net zero emissions. The installation of these two public EV charging ports in our Civic Centre is an important step in supporting our community's efforts to reduce their carbon footprint," Mayor Homer said.
"We have has set the goal for net zero by 2035 for Council's operational emissions. We are also committed to supporting the community to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 and building a resilient and adaptive community, for the long-term sustainability of Shellharbour City," he said.
The installation of the EV charging ports comes just months after Shellharbour City Council joined forces with Shoalhaven and Kiama councils to secure a renewable electricity agreement with innovative energy retailer, Flow Power.
Under the agreement, the councils can purchase renewable electricity from wind and solar farms in regional NSW to cover the operation of their large facilities including pools, administration buildings, street lighting and treatment plants.
"It was fantastic to collaborate with our neighbouring councils to further expedite the commitments of Shellharbour City Council in achieving our net zero targets. These new EV chargers in the Civic Centre will help contribute to achieving those goals," Mayor Homer said.
