Surf Coast Shire nurses can provide care and support to more families with young children thanks to a new electric vehicle (EV).
Council’s Child Health (MCH) service welcomed a new EV to its fleet on September 5, allowing more MCH nurses to travel up to 140 kilometres daily to meet with families and their new babies.
Mayor Liz Pattison said EVs helped council continue to support families across the region while “contributing to a healthier environment”.
“By transitioning to EVs, we are making a direct impact on reducing our carbon footprint, supporting our environment goals,” she said.
“Our aim is to transition all Council vehicles to electric to be a part of a sustainable future for the Surf Coast Shire community.
“The introduction of EVs is a key step in our broader efforts to reduce carbon emissions and demonstrate environmental leadership.
“As part of our recently updated 2023-2025 Climate Emergency Action Plan, we have an enhanced focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and pursuing renewable energy.”
Mayor Pattison said 1,456 children aged up to six years benefited from the MCH service last year, and close to 5,377 litres of fuel was saved during the 2023-24 financial year.
Close to 363 babies were born in the Surf Coast Shire during the last financial year with the MCH helped families through home visits or at its Torquay, Winchelsea, Anglesea, Moriac, and Lorne centres.
The MCH service supports the delivery of council’s child and family health services while reducing emissions and demonstrating a commitment to environmental leadership.
