Plans to develop a service station with an electric charging port for trucks in Laverton North has been given the green light by Wyndham Council.
At the 10 February planning committee meeting, council approved the proposed development, which includes 28 charging bays that are specifically designed to accommodate heavy vehicles operating within the area’s freight network.
The charging station is expected to cost approximately $9.7 million and will be located at 21-23 Maria Street.
According to the application, the facility aims to support the transition to low emission transport and is expected to set a benchmark for sustainable freight infrastructure in Victoria.
It plans to do this by encouraging the uptake of electric vehicles in the logistics and transport sector.
Dedicated bays for electric cars will be in the south-western corner of the property, while a central heavy duty vehicle entry will be provided to accommodate truck movements to and from the site.
The proposed site will also have an in-built office suit with a lunchroom, toilet facilities and control room.
In the officers report, director of planning and liveability Eric Braslis said council should endorse the proposal as electric charging stations are economically, socially and environmentally viable for the industrial parts of the municipality.
“Electric truck charging stations support economic sustainability by enabling freight and logistics fleets to transition to electric vehicles with lower long-term fuel and maintenance costs,” Mr Braslis said.
“Electric truck charging stations contribute to social sustainability by reducing noise and air pollution in communities located near highways, warehouses, and industrial zones, improving public health and living conditions.
“Environmentally, electric truck charging stations play a key role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from heavy-duty transportation, one of the largest sources of emissions.
“Electric vehicle charging generates minimal noise compared to traditional refuelling or diesel vehicle operations, and the proposal will not result in unreasonable noise impacts on surrounding land.
“If the proposal does not proceed, the strategic risk includes the loss of an opportunity to support the transition to low emissions and sustainable freight transport within the municipality and across Victoria.”
The application was unanimously supported in the chamber and no public objections were submitted.
