Moorabool’s electric revheads may soon have more options on where to charge their cars across the shire.
Moorabool council moved on implementing plans to investigate the feasibility, costs, delivery models and potential partnerships for installing electric vehicle charging stations in locations across the municipality at its 4 February meeting.
The plans were brought forward by Cr John Keogh, who said the charging stations would increase the shire’s rate of visitors.
“Presently, with no EV stations located between Ballarat and Melton, we are missing an opportunity to increase our daily visitor numbers uptake,” he said.
Cr Keogh said installing or encouraging charging infrastructure within walking distance of the Bacchus Marsh and Ballan shopping precincts could support tourism, boost local spending and improve regional connectivity.
“If EV stations were located within easy walking distance of our Ballan and Bacchus Marsh shopping precincts, we would encourage visitors to recharge, explore and spend locally, benefitting our traders and stimulating employment opportunities.”
The motion was brought forward amid strong growth in EV ownership across Victoria and Australia.
In the first half of 2025, electric vehicles reportedly accounted for more than 12 per cent of all new car sales nationwide, up from 9.6 per cent in the same period the previous year, with June recording a peak market share of almost 16 per cent, according to the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC).
“This trend is only going to increase, especially with government incentives and a greater awareness of climate change,” Cr Keogh said.
More than 350,000 Australians are now driving EVs, while Victoria alone had just over 50,000 registered electric vehicles as of mid-2024, according to the EVC.
Despite evidence supporting the need for electric charging stations across the municipality, Cr Paul Tatchell criticised the idea on the basis the shire did not have enough power to support them.
“The reality is, in all seriousness, we don’t have enough power,” Cr Tatchell said.
“The infrastructure that’s been put in place to power our towns …is barely gonna cover that.
“To be honest, I think this is a waste of time.”
However, Cr Sheila Freeman was quick to remind council the motion merely suggested a report into the feasibility of charging stations.
“This is not about committing to build EV chargers tomorrow. It is about doing the responsible thing today,” she said.
“Good governance means understanding the options before ruling them in or out. Voting against a report is choosing to stay uninformed.”
Cr Freeman also reiterated the potential tourism benefits of the charging stations.
”If Moorabool does not plan for this shift, we risk being left off the map as EV drivers plan their routes,” she said.
“There is currently no public EV charging station between Ballarat and Melton. That gap matters.
“Strategically placed chargers near Bacchus Marsh and Ballan shopping precincts would encourage drivers to stop, give them 30 to 60 minutes to shop, eat and explore, directly benefitting local traders and hospitality businesses.”
