An Australian-first pilot project to install electric charging stations at numerous tourist hotspots in Cairns has been announced by the Queensland Department of State Development in a bid to boost the local economy and tourism industry in the region.

Local Cairns based business Intrust Energy Solutions has been selected to deliver the project which has been developed by Economic Development Queensland – the Queensland Government’s specialist land use planning and property development unit.

In addition to State Government backing, the project will be sponsored by RACQ.

The project will see charging stations installed at six of North Queensland’s most popular tourist attractions: Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, the Mossman Gorge Visitor Centre, Paronella Park, Historic Village Herberton and Coffee Works Mareeba.

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick was excited to expand the reach of electric vehicle charging infrastructure further across the state and future-proof the tourism industry in Cairns.

“We’re thrilled to have awarded Intrust Energy Solutions, who have offices across the Cairns region, and EVSE Australia the contract to install the network of six electric vehicle charging stations at key tourist attractions across Tropical North Queensland,” said Mr Dick.

“The Tropical North Queensland Electric Vehicle Drive will create a world-class sustainable multi-day tourism experience, offering free electric vehicle charging over the 12-month period.

“We’re proud to be partnering with RACQ to power-up this important demonstration project that will provide free vehicle recharges at key tourist attractions across Far North Queensland to help support local jobs.”

The prospect of charging stations being installed across six of North Queensland’s most popular tourist attractions is expected to give a much-needed boost to the tourism industry, which remains vital to the region’s economy.

Member for Cairns Michael Healy believed the area was already seeing the benefits of the project.

“To have the installation of the charging stations awarded to Cairns-based Intrust Energy Solutions is brilliant,” said Mr Healy.

“Projects such as the Tropical North Queensland Electric Vehicle Drive support local jobs and build on our region’s demand for environmentally friendly tourism options, in addition to our established tourism offerings.”

The project is the latest example of the Queensland Government’s commitment to electric and alternative vehicle technology, having recently invested in hydrogen fuelled vehicles for their fleet and follows a $15million investment from the Federal Government to build Australia’s largest charging network.

With increased focus on building infrastructure that will allow Australia to support electric and alternative fuel vehicles, RACQ Head of Public Policy Dr Rebecca Michael said this project will demonstrate the future of road tourism once electric vehicles become the norm.

“We are excited to be working with the Queensland Government to deliver this exciting pilot program,” said Michael.

“With a focus on eco-tourism, this project is demonstrating how road tourism can transition to a sustainable future.”

Construction on the electric charging networks has already begun at the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures and Mossman Gorge Visitor Centre sites, with work expected to begin at the remaining three sites in the coming weeks.

Original source: Queensland Government | Cairns business to drive electric vehicle charging project

23 Sep 2019