June 17, 2021
Kingaroy is about to be connected to the State Government’s “Queensland Electric Super Highway” (QESH).
The State Government announced on Thursday it was delivering 18 new electric vehicle fast-charging sites across Queensland, almost doubling the length of the QESH at a cost of $2.75 million.
As well as Kingaroy, the new QESH charging stations will be located at Barcaldine, Blackall, Charters Towers, Charleville, Cloncurry, Dingo, Emerald, Esk, Goondiwindi, Hughenden, Julia Creek, Longreach, Miles, Mount Isa, Roma, Stanthorpe and Winton.
When the new stations are completed there will be 49 charging stations on the QESH.
Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the sites would play a critical role in supporting the State Government’s Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy.
“Not only were we the first State in Australia to develop an EV strategy, but we revolutionised electric vehicle travel through delivering the Queensland Electric Super Highway.
“The Palaszczuk Government has already invested $5.3 million to construct the existing 31 QESH EV charging sites.”
Minister Bailey said electric vehicle sales in Queensland had increased from 417 in 2017 to 4743.
“Electric vehicle drivers will be able to take trips from Brisbane to Mount Isa, Goondiwindi to Emerald, and Longreach to Cairns knowing there are charging stations along the way,” he said.
“Sending the QESH out west not only puts EV charging on the map in regional Queensland but supports the drive tourism market, too.”
NB. As well as the QESH charging stations, there are many public charging stations available in Queensland. According to the PlugShare website there are currently charging stations at Room Motels in Kingaroy; at the Star Motel, and Homestead Caravan Park in Nanango; and at Blackbutt Fuel and Tyres in Blackbutt.
