Providing electric vehicle charging infrastructure (EVCI) on public land has been a contentious topic for several years. While we acknowledge the importance of EVCI in the transition to net zero, we are concerned about the potential impact of EVCI and the privatisation of public space.

Over the last four years, Council conducted a trial program featuring three electric vehicle (EV) chargers available for community use, located both off-street and on-street. Following this trial we have completed a Draft EV Charging Action Plan and are now planning the rollout of additional Council-operated EVCI sites across all wards of Canterbury-Bankstown. All Council EVCI will be off-street, located at Council facilities and car parks where electrical capacity is available.

Developing the plan involved extensive research, review of other councils’ approaches, internal consultation and an evaluation of Council’s role and responsibilities in allowing EVCI on public land, such as on-street kerbside locations.

The plan indicates that state and federal governments have a role in supporting the transition to EVs through development of strategies and funding. Commercial operators (e.g. service stations, clubs, shopping malls and entertainment centres) have the opportunity to commercially operate and provide EVCI for community use.

Why do we need an EV Charging Action Plan?

The EV and EVCI industries are growing rapidly, driven by market pricing, government policy changes as well as advancements in infrastructure and technology. Commercial EV charging businesses or charge point operators (CPOs) are seeking to expand their operational reach and establish market share.

The purpose of the CBCity EV Charging Action Plan is to establish Council’s role, responsibility and actions in this evolving landscape. Currently EV ownership in CBCity remains low (around 1%) compared to other Sydney metropolitan areas, particularly in the east.

We recognise the challenges for EV owners without easy access to off-street at home charging. Currently there are 40 publicly accessible EV Charging points across CBCity, view here.

While on-street EV charging may benefit some residents, it can also have longer-term negative impacts on public spaces - including reduced parking availability, increased street clutter from signage and cables, accessibility challenges and equity concerns. Council must manage these issues to ensure fair and equitable outcomes for all.

Government emissions reduction targets will likely require further policy and planning adjustments in the coming years to continue encouraging EV adoption.

In the short-term the EV Charging Action Plan will deliver an additional 15 EV dual port chargers in Council carparks facilities, with funding from the NSW Western Sydney Grant Infrastructure Program. The plan will remain flexible and responsive to community expectations and legislative requirements over the coming years as the number of EVs in our area increases.

Council also places a high priority on community education and the implementation of development control plans (DCPs) that facilitate EV charging in all new developments across the City. Implementation of the EV Charging Action Plan will be supported with appropriate information on our website before, during and after its rollout.