More electric vehicles to hit the road

Wagga Wagga City Council has expanded its fleet of electric vehicles (EV), four years after it made the decision to purchase its first EV for staff use.

It recently added three new MG ZS Excite electric vehicles for staff use across the organisation. These vehicles produce zero exhaust pipe emissions.

Council Manager Plant, Fleet and Buildings Travis Weir says the transition to sustainable travel has noted positive changes both internal and external to council.

“The EV are pool vehicles to be used by staff for work related activities within our local government area,” said Mr Weir.

“Staff have given positive feedback, noting the cars are easy and reliable to drive and the convenience in charging is useful. We have charging stations set up inside the council parking area, you just park and plug it into the charger as needed.

“Many of the staff are now more confident with electric travel, and this is one step that Council has made to reduce corporate emissions, with plenty more to come.”

Charging the EV will also have reduced emissions due to the solar panels positioned on the Civic Centre building, equalling 302 panels in total.

The initiative to go electric is in line with the Corporate Net Zero Emissions 2040 Strategy adopted by Council in June 2022.

The strategy details proposed plans of action to avoid, minimise, and offset emissions from Council owned or managed activities and facilities, also identifying its role within the community in achieving the endorsed NSW Government targets of net zero emissions by 2030 and 2050.

Maintenance for EVs in the form of charging stations have been growing in abundance around Wagga Wagga since February 2023, when Council received a grant for the installation of four new electric vehicle charging stations.

This funding is part of a new NSW Government initiative which has committed $171 million to assist the building of EV charging infrastructure over the next four years.

Alongside the NSW Government, Council is also dedicated to ensuring improved access to electric vehicle charging. In August 2023 the ‘Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure on Public Land’ Policy was adopted by Council.

Along with the solutions Council has engaged with to take climate action, the community of Wagga Wagga and surrounds can also contribute to our net zero goals.

The Draft Wagga Wagga Net Zero Emissions Community 2050 Roadmap is now on exhibition until Friday 22 September 2023.

This public document will focus specifically on how individuals, businesses, and groups within the Local Government Area can help contribute to net zero.

Members of the public have opportunity to read and provide feedback on the draft online.

Visit haveyoursay.wagga.nsw.gov.au/netzero to read the Community Road Map and to submit a response.

Make sure to keep an eye out for these new electric vehicles and equivalent charging stations when driving around Wagga Wagga.