The EV chargers have been installed at Marie Bashir Park. Photo: Narrandera Shire Council.
Four new electric vehicle (EV) fast chargers were installed at Marie Bashir Park in Narrandera this week, at a spot passed by many long distance drivers.
The chargers, which deliver electricity from a power source to charge an EV vehicle’s battery, were provided by NRMA, which has partnered with Narrandera Shire Council to boost EV infrastructure in the region.
The fast chargers will allow most EVs to recharge in about 30 minutes – significantly faster than standard public chargers, which can take between three and six hours.
Under the 10-year agreement, the new chargers have been installed near Narrandera’s Destination and Discovery Hub, offering EV motorists a convenient option at the intersection of the Newell and Sturt highways, one of the most strategic transport junctions in regional NSW. Anyone travelling from Adelaide or the Far West to Sydney or Canberra would pass this hub on their route.
The charger station is also located near the town’s central business area, allowing travellers to stop in Narrandera to rest, eat or shop.
Polling by think tank the Australia Institute has identified a lack of charging infrastructure as a “significant obstacle” to buying an EV.
The new chargers at Marie Bashir Park require drivers to have a My NRMA app to use and pay for charging at this site. The only other EV chargers in town are the four at the Camellia Motel at 80 Newell Highway.
“The installation of upgraded fast-charging infrastructure and site expansion at Marie Bashir Park in Narrandera supports seamless regional travel while reaffirming our dedication to sustainable transport and the growth of local tourism,” Ian Cosgrove of NRMA Energy, said.
Mayor Neville Kschenka welcomed the initiative, saying it positioned Narrandera as a destination of choice for EV travellers and freight operators alike.
“Council is eager to facilitate progressive projects such as this. This project aligns with council’s strategic direction to leverage our location and become a necessary stopping point for EV drivers – supporting both residents and visitors, as well as freight movements through dedicated infrastructure,” he said.
“This increase in EV offering keeps Narrandera at the forefront of sustainable energy projects, and we are grateful to NRMA for again identifying Narrandera a key location in their network,” Cr Kschenka said.
“The upgraded charging site at Narrandera represents a key milestone in the NRMA’s broader commitment to establishing and maintaining a truly connected charging network across regional Australia,” said Mr Cosgrove.
