Positive boost as EV charger proposed for Geraldton Surf Lifesaving Club carpark in Mahomets Flats

Local electric vehicle owners may be getting a positive boost as councillors will vote on the installation of an ultra-fast electric vehicle charging station in Mahomets Flats at next Tuesday’s council meeting.

The proposal for a 10-year licence agreement — to be set in line with an independent market valuation — with NRMA Electric Highways Pty Ltd will cover an 86 square metre portion of the car park adjacent to the Geraldton Surf Life Saving Club on land owned by the city, which is outside the surf club’s lease area.

The project forms part of the Federal Government’s National Electric Vehicle Strategy, which aims to deliver a network of 117 ultra-fast chargers around Australia at roughly 150 kilometre intervals, the NRMA have proposed a four-bay charging station for Geraldton, with each bay capable of delivering a full charge in about 20 minutes.

A four-vehicle charging station was installed at Geraldton foreshore’s Francis Street carpark in 2023 as part of the State Government’s EV network.

City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ross McKim informed councillors that “when I last looked . . . the usage on the foreshore was, on average, about three charges per day.”

“This is getting us ready for the future,” he said.

NRMA would be responsible for all construction, installation, maintenance, electricity costs, security measures and insurance, with no direct cost to the city. Power is expected to be sourced from the existing Western Power grid, with temporary disruption during cabling works.

With minimal impact expected over the proposed licence term, council officers say the project will support tourism, improve regional connectivity and help Geraldton by positioning it within the national electric vehicle highway network.

The proposal will go to a vote at next Tuesday’s December meeting.