Preferred Site Chosen for EV Fast-Charging Station
Published on 30 July 2024
Mount Isa City Council has agreed to allow the NRMA to construct an electric-vehicle (EV) DC fast-charging station in Mount Isa, with 34 Miles Street (the site of the public toilet blocks) chosen as the preferred site.
A Yurika two-car charging station was installed on Mullan Street, near Outback at Isa, in mid-2023, however the NRMA is seeking to provide an additional four-vehicle fast-charging station in Mount Isa to support future demand.
At its July Ordinary Meeting on Wednesday July 24, Council agreed to let the NRMA know it preferred 34 Miles Street as the location of the fast-charging station, followed by – in order – 17-19 Atherton Street (on the corner of Marian Street), then the Centennial Place carpark (corner of Grace and Miles streets).
As part of the decision, the redundant toilet block and old substation at 34 Miles Street will be demolished.
At the meeting, Councillor Travis Crowther said the NRMA would pay for the demolition and removal of the existing infrastructure at 34 Miles Street.
"It's been a lot of work getting this organised," Cr Crowther said.
"EV stations are going to need to be popping up a lot more around the city, but this will be the first of a DC fast-charging station. It puts a newer set-up where people can charge up there, and also go on and visit a lot of local businesses in that area, so they'll be able to benefit from that."
The NRMA is installing EV charging stations across the country, as part of the Federal Government’s Driving the Nation program.
This will see the NRMA install and operate more than 200 DC fast-charging sites, which will provide “future-fit” EV charging infrastructure throughout Australia.
Mount Isa and Camooweal have been identified as being crucial to the network, given the distances between towns.
Council will carry out consultation with adjoining affected residences and business owners about the proposed project, as well as seek ministerial consent from the Department of Resources to permit the land to be used for commercial purposes as an EV fast-charging station, if required.