The Moriac community is supporting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions by offering a free electric vehicle charging point in the town.
A 7kW charger utilising rooftop solar generation and purchased renewable electricity has been installed at Moriac Community Centre at Newling Reserve.
Moriac Community Network (MCN) has led the establishment of the station, supported by a $2460 allocation from the Surf Coast Shire Council Small Grants Program climate action category.
The Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment – EVSE – is located beside the loading bay at the Moriac Community Centre and is the only free public charger adaptable for any EV within an area bounded by Warrnambool, Lorne, Ballarat and Armstrong Creek.
MCN president Kim Rowe said local resident and Australian Electric Vehicle Association Geelong Sub Branch member Doug Rolfe was an inspiration behind the project.
“As an EV user Doug had a passion to have EV chargers in Moriac, particularly for people with converted vehicles who need to charge more regularly,” Ms Rowe said.
“His knowledge of the technology and the national PlugShare app, which shows users where all chargers are located, was a key for us and we felt that having a charger would help bring tourists to our town as well as benefit locals.
“Moriac Community Network jumped at the initiative, given our focus on a sustainable community and we submitted an application for a Council small grant, which was successful.
“We are thrilled to have this in Moriac and welcome other locals to work with us on innovative ideas for the community.”
Surf Coast Shire Council’s Climate Emergency Corporate Response Plan includes commitments to install new public charging stations at a range of Council sites. New stations will be installed in Anglesea, Aireys Inlet, Lorne and Winchelsea during this financial year.
Council has committed to having an all-electric vehicle fleet by 2030 and is working to reduce emissions from its heavy and small plant fleets.
