Electric vehicle (EV) drivers are now able to stop and charge their EVs in Jerilderie in NSW with a new fast charger newly installed in the centre of the town as part of a $3 million co-funded partnership to boost tourism and EV uptake.
The new charger comes as part of the NSW Government’s initiative to co-fund 20 stations across the regions to extend the travel network and send tourist dollars to towns.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Paul Toole, said Jerilderie is the latest location to receive an EV charging station as part of a $3 million co-funded partnership between the NSW Government and the NRMA to roll out 20 charging stations across the state over two years.
“These charging stations will transform the way EV drivers move around, helping to support tourism in regional centres along the New England, Sturt, Hume, Newell, Barrier and Kamilaroi highways, building on our vision for a safer, stronger regional NSW,” Mr Toole said.
“Once we roll out our network by 2022, most EV drivers will be no more than 150km from an EV charging station, allowing people to travel to Broken Hill, Moree and Bourke, and to link up with major routes in Queensland, Victoria and South Australia.”
Member for Albury, Justin Clancy, said the new charger in Jerilderie was part of the NSW Government’s commitment to boost tourism in the regions and deliver the most comprehensive regional charging network in the country.
“We want people to stop off and explore regional towns like Jerilderie as they recover from a tough few years of drought, bushfires and COVID-19, and this new charging station will help to drive regional tourism and create local jobs,” Mr Clancy said.
NRMA EV Division Manager, Motoring Services, Amelia Johns, said the additions to the NRMA’s existing charging network were a great step in encouraging more drivers to start using electric vehicles.
“The installation of the Jerilderie electric vehicle charger is a major connection along the Newell Highway, and is part of our vision to work with the NSW Government to boost regional travel and minimise the anxiety that might come with purchasing an EV,” Ms Johns said.
Murrumbidgee Council Mayor, Ruth McRae, said having an EV charger launched in Jerilderie will create new opportunities for people to travel through and explore the Southern Riverina.
“It’s exciting to see a more comprehensive charging network and it will make attaining an electric vehicle more realistic for the community,” Ms McRae said.
The EV charging station located at 33 Powell Street, Jerilderie, joins other chargers rolled out under the program in Scone, Yass, Wagga Wagga, Tenterfield and Armidale.
