An Electric Vehicle Strategy aimed at reducing emissions, driving economic growth and creating jobs, has been announced by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.
The strategy is accompanied by an Electric Vehicle (EV) Fund that will include Australia’s largest single allocation for EV charging infrastructure by a State or Territory Government.
Minister for the Environment, Stephen Dawson said the strategy would facilitate the creation of Australia’s longest, and one of the world’s longest, electric vehicle charging infrastructure networks — from Perth to Kununurra in the North, Esperance in the South and Kalgoorlie in the East.
“Western Australians and visitors will be able to access fast charging stations along major travel routes in the regions, town and city centres, and tourism sites,” Mr Dawson said.
He said the Government would lead by example by increasing its own fleet of electric vehicles, committing to a target of acquiring at least 25 per cent electric vehicles across eligible vehicles in the State fleet.
He said electric vehicle charging stations would be installed in Government buildings.
“The strategy will also facilitate EV uptake by developing and updating standards, guidelines, and requirements for planning approval, as well as improving levels of consumer awareness and knowledge,” Mr Dawson said.
Minister for Innovation and ICT, Dave Kelly said the announcement heralded an exciting time in Western Australia.
“The State is contributing some of the most significant funds of any Australian jurisdiction towards charging infrastructure that will facilitate the uptake of this environmentally sustainable technology,” Mr Kelly said.
The 17-page Strategy can be accessed on the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation’s website at this PS News link.
