The switch has been flicked at Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Cairns to celebrate the opening of Australia’s first electric vehicle tourism driving network.
The 500km Tropical North Queensland Electric Vehicle Drive will feature six EV charging stations, all powered up at key tourist attractions across the Cairns region.
These are Paronella Park, Herberton Historic Village, Coffee Works Mareeba, Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures and Mossman Gorge Visitor Centre.
State development minister Cameron Dick says the project is an important step as Queensland continues its renewable and sustainable transition on fuels.
“These new charging stations will make Queensland more accessible and attractive to visitors driving electric vehicles, and with that increased tourist activity comes with it more jobs,” Dick says.
“The Palaszczuk Government will keep working to deliver future-focused infrastructure as we continue our charge towards our 2030 and 2050 renewables and emissions targets.”
Barron River member Craig Crawford says innovative tourism experiences like this drive will add a new dimension to the natural beauty of Far North Queensland.
“This drive encourages visitors to explore more of our stunning region and to visit our iconic attractions.
“The increased tourism dollars will boost our economy and help to stimulate more local employment.”
Intrust Energy Solutions delivered the charger installations together with EVSE Australia.
Cairns member Michael Healy said destination chargers like these were a crucial driver for the uptake of electric vehicles.
“And with free vehicle recharges planned for the next 12 months, there’s no better time than now for people to act on their curiosity and take an electric vehicle for a spin.”
Cook member Cynthia Lui says Far North Queensland is the ideal place for Australia’s first EV tourism driving network.
RACQ public policy head Rebecca Michael says the EV initiative is a step in the right direction for the motoring industry.
“We’ve seen many advancements in electric vehicles recently, with a wider range of more affordable models now coming onto the market,” she says.
“Comprehensive and connected charging networks like this are needed to help give drivers the confidence to make the switch to a low emissions vehicle, so they know they can get to their destination and back home again with the convenience of being able to charge up on their travels.”
The project was delivered as part of the Palaszczuk Government’s The Future is Electric: Queensland’s Electric Vehicle Strategy, and builds on the Queensland Electric Superhighway from the Gold Coast to Cairns.
