Queensland’s centre-left government plans to build electric vehicle (EV) chargers every 150 kilometres. This initiative at the state level aligns with federal Labor’s promise to build an EV charger every 150 kilometres during the 2022 election campaign. The state project will cost $42 million and involve the installation of 2,500 EV charging stations across the state within three years. However, most of these chargers will be used to service the state government’s electric vehicle fleet.
Transport and digital services minister Mark Bailey confirmed the move, stating that it is an innovative way to encourage people to use electric vehicles and have access to charging stations in various locations. The government aims to promote the use of public transport and zero-emission vehicles.
Queensland is set to hold an election on October 26, 2024, with recent polls showing the Liberal National Party (LNP) overtaking the Labor party in voter support. At the federal level, the Albanese government released a national map of charging stations in Australia. They are collaborating with NRMA to build 117 fast EV charging sites along national highways at a cost of $39.3 million.
The government acknowledges that range anxiety has been a significant barrier for Australians considering purchasing an EV. By expanding the charging infrastructure, they aim to address this concern and promote the adoption of cleaner and more cost-effective electric vehicles.
According to an Electric Vehicle Council report, only 8.4 percent of new cars sold in the first half of 2023 were EVs. However, this represents a significant increase compared to the previous year, with EV sales during that period being 120.5 percent higher than the total sales in 2022. The most popular EV models were the Tesla Model Y, Tesla Model 3, and BYD Atto 3.
In addition to the EV charging infrastructure initiative, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk plans to legislate the state’s renewable energy targets. These targets include achieving 50 percent renewable energy by 2030, 70 percent by 2032, and 80 percent by 2035. The legislation aims to transition Queensland from coal-fired power to cleaner and more affordable renewables, while also keeping energy assets under public ownership.
Meanwhile, LNP leader David Crisafulli has shifted his focus to tackling youth crime in Queensland. He highlighted secret texts and emails that revealed a lack of ideas and chaos within the Palaszczuk Labor government regarding youth crime. Crisafulli emphasized the need for a government that prioritizes Queensland’s future and has effective strategies to address pressing issues.