Over 100 people from across Melbourne’s north attended the launch of the NCA’s Community Electric Vehicle Transition Plan and transport priorities, documents that provide a blueprint for regional transport strategies into the future. Keynote speaker was Complete Streets expert Steven Burgess, with Mayors from each of the seven NCA Councils providing a local perspective.

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The Community Electric Vehicle Transition Plan delivers a framework

for a sustainable regional transport system and the transition to electric

vehicles. It was developed in response to community requests for public

electric vehicle charging, and growing concerns about the region’s

ability to respond to this need due to the lack of charging infrastructure.

 

Another key opportunity identified in the plan is a comprehensive

active transport network, including walking, cycling and micro mobility

e-bikes and e-scooters. This includes supporting the charging of micro

mobility in public realm and electric micro mobility share schemes.

 

Cr Joseph Haweil, Chair of the NCA and Mayor of Hume City Council, welcomed everyone to the launch. He explained that Melbourne’s north is predicted to have a population of 1.5 million by 2030 and this growth brings a range of transport challenges.

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“Inadequate connectivity, congestion and pollution have become everyday realities for our residents and businesses,” he said. “That’s why we’re focusing on advocacy for transformative solutions that meet our needs now and into the future.

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“We need support to provide electric vehicle infrastructure across our communities and to integrate electric vehicles into our Council fleets,” he added. “And upgrades to cycling and walking paths across our region will benefit the health and wellbeing of our residents, with the ultimate goal of reduced congestion on our roads.”

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Cr Haweil also emphasised the importance of collaboration in regional advocacy.

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“Our seven Councils have made a commitment to work together,” he noted. “We’ve commissioned these reports and continue to work tirelessly in advocating for their recommendations.

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“But we can’t do all this alone. We need strong engagement and financial and policy support from state and federal governments to achieve our transport goals.”

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The Community Electric Vehicle Transition Plan is the final document in the NCA’s suite of transport advocacy reports. It complements the Northern Region Transport Strategy and Bus Networks Study, both released last year.

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Together the three documents will guide the NCA’s transport advocacy efforts with both state and federal governments and drive positive change.

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Click here for more photos and videos of the event.