The Andrews Labor Government is driving toward a state-wide net zero emissions target by 2050, with the delivery of new zero emissions vehicles to regional nurses who provide essential mobile health care services.
The conversion of Victoria’s government fleet to zero emissions vehicles (ZEV) is now well underway, with Warrnambool Base Hospital receiving 16 new Hyundai Kona battery electric vehicles – supporting South West Healthcare nurses to provide services to regional communities.
This milestone follows the Labor Government’s $15 million investment in the 2021-22 State Budget to add 400 ZEVs and infrastructure upgrades, including charging stations to the state’s fleet during a two-year period.
Replacing existing petrol vehicles used by community and palliative care nurses to provide vital care for patients at home, the new ZEVs have an impressive 480km maximum range that enables Warrnambool nurses to travel long-haul return trips without charging en route.
Benefiting Warrnambool Base Hospital through ongoing cost savings, the ZEVs have much lower maintenance and running costs than petrol or diesel equivalents – freeing up funds for other crucial health services.
All 400 ZEVs in the Government fleet will include a dedicated charging station, while the hospital has also received a 50kW fast charger that delivers a 100km range in only 15 minutes charge time.
Fast-tracking the Government fleet’s ZEV transition – Victorian based industry expert JET Charge has been awarded the contract to supply and install a charging network across Government-owned and leased buildings, with charging stations manufactured here in Victoria.
To help spark community interest in the take-up of sustainable transport, the Government’s $15 million investment also allows for the 400 ZEVs to be available for public purchase at the end of their lease period.
The Labor Government has also invested $19 million in grants to expand the publicly accessible fast-charging network, including locations such as Portland, Port Fairy, Camperdown and Stawell.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Treasurer Danny Pearson
“We’re supporting our regional health care providers to transition to a zero-emissions future, while freeing up funds for essential health care services through ongoing cost savings and maintenance benefits.”
“Victorian based manufacturer, supplier and industry leader JET Charge will support our ZEV roll-out with a charging network across the state, delivering more jobs and bringing us closer to our 2050 net zero emissions target.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosio
“The transport industry creates a quarter of our emissions - we’re leading the way as we halve emissions by 2030.”
Quote attributable to Chief Executive South West HealthCare Craig Fraser
“We’re incredibly proud to be the first regional hospital to make the green transition to ZEVs and provide our dedicated outreach staff with an environmentally friendly way to carry out their important community work.”
Reviewed 06 July 2022