Zoe Moffatt
Macedon Ranges council is driving into the future with the installation of new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, but Romsey residents feel they are being left behind in the EV revolution.
Council announced EV charging stations would be installed in Macedon and Lancefield, along with an additional site in Kyneton. Woodend has an existing charging station.
This decision was included in council’s 2021-22 Annual Report, after the 2021 Environment Strategy committed to installing charging stations. A pamphlet including information was also distributed to residents.
Romsey resident Kevin Fothergill said people living in the town felt they were being neglected by council.
“There’s a feeling in Romsey that we are neglected… and not always looked after,” Mr Fothergill said.
“When [we] see there are charging ports in other towns, we think why not us?”
Mr Fothergill said it did not make sense that Lancefield will receive a charging station and not Romsey.
“Romsey is actually… more of a commuter suburb, there’s a lot of people that have moved in [recently],” he said.
“The concern is why should Lancefield have a charging station when Romsey doesn’t… I think people would like a public charging station.”
Mr Fothergill said he does not own an EV and he would be hesitant to buy one without a public charging station nearby.
“Why would I buy an EV if I can’t charge it in a public place?
“I would want to know that I had access to a charging station in Romsey… to fit one at home would be a bit prohibitive [as] I’m semi-retired.”
Planning and environment director Rebecca Stockfeld said council is seeking opportunities for the installation of EV charging stations in Riddells Creek, Gisborne, Romsey and Malmsbury.
Ms Stockfeld said an additional public EV charging station would be provided in Romsey as part of the proposed supermarket development on Main Street.
Council did not give a timeframe as to when an EV charging station would be installed in Romsey.
Council also announced additional charging stations will be installed at council offices in Gisborne, Kyneton and Woodend.
