Northampton Shire approves Synergy EV charger behind Kalbarri Visitor Centre, part of State’s $21m investment

A car park across from the Kalbarri Visitor Centre will soon see an electric vehicle charger installed as part of the State Government’s plans for the longest EV highway in Australia. Kalbarri is one step closer to seeing EV tourists after the Shire of Northampton granted development approval on Friday. Planning Solutions on behalf of Synergy submitted an application for the proposed EV charger, fit with two charging cables and a back-up charger, to be stationed at a current car park off Gray Street used by tourists with larger vehicles, buses and parking at the Visitor Centre. The development is part of the State Government’s $21 million Electric Vehicle Fund, delivering a network of EV chargers across 45 locations to facilitate regional travel from Kununurra to Perth, along the South West coast through to Esperance and up to Kalgoorlie. Western Power will install a transformer that will provide direct power to the unit, while a Paymate System will be installed for customers to make payment with card or with a phone app. The site is within walking distance to the foreshore and amenities including a playground, public toilets, seating and trees, walking distance to recreational facilities and shopping centres for potential economic benefits and located near tourist accommodation. The development was granted approval in an unanimous 6-0 vote, on the conditions it is completed within two years and doesn’t disturb any existing buildings.