Maitland Council Secures Funding to Expand Electric Vehicle Charging Network

Maitland City Council has announced a significant boost to its electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, with $60,600 in state funding secured to expand its network of charging stations across the region. The grant, awarded through the second round of the Drive Electric NSW EV Destination Charging Grants program, will see new charging facilities installed at four Council-owned sites.

The project will result in EV chargers being fitted at ten car spaces across locations including Thornton Library, Gillieston Heights Community Hub, The Levee in Central Maitland, and Maitland Town Hall. The total project cost is expected to be $101,000, with Maitland City Council contributing $40,400 in addition to the state grant.

Council’s General Manager Jeff Smith emphasised the importance of this investment in attracting more EV drivers to the area. “Currently, Maitland’s ability to attract EV owners is limited, so we’re stepping up to ensure that the community keeps pace with the growing uptake of electric vehicles across New South Wales,” Mr Smith said.

He added that the new chargers would complement the existing charging facilities at Harold Gregson Reserve, which have already seen consistent usage since their launch in December last year. “We’ve seen more than 530 uses of our Harold Gregson Reserve chargers so far, which shows there is strong local interest in EV charging facilities. We expect usage will only increase as more residents adopt EVs.”

The expansion is part of Maitland City Council’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy 2030, which aims to enhance sustainable and active transport options throughout the city. Mr Smith highlighted the alignment of the project with the council’s broader sustainability goals, stating that these efforts are an essential step towards a greener, more accessible Maitland.

The operating model for the new chargers, including details such as parking regulations and usage fees, will be finalised in an upcoming report to Council. The new facilities are set to become operational by early 2025, providing a much-needed resource for both locals and visitors with electric vehicles.

For more information on Maitland’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy, visit mait.city/ESS.