Take a break and recharge in Esk
The Somerset region is embracing a new wave of electric vehicle (EV) tourism after joining Queensland’s Super Electric Highway (QESH).
A new EV charging station has been unveiled in Esk as part of the QESH, sponsored by the Queensland Government, Yurika and RACQ.
The network of chargers now stretches across much of the State – from Coolangatta to Port Douglas, Brisbane west to Longreach, and Townsville to Mt Isa – with fast chargers roughly every 50–80km in South East Queensland.
Somerset Regional Council Mayor Graeme Lehmann said the new Esk charging station would provide additional tourism opportunity for the region.
“The new EV Charging Station is a fantastic addition to the town of Esk,” Cr Lehmann said.
“Esk is on the doorstep of Australia’s longest recreational rail trail, the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail and has so much to offer visitors.
“Somerset has great cafes, pubs, gift stores, Saturday markets, country races, cultural events and more, and I am delighted that electric vehicle owners will now have further means to explore our beautiful region.”
RACQ’s Head of Public Policy Dr Michael Kane said the Club was getting plenty of interest from councils, accommodation and tourism providers wanting an EV charger at their destination.
“With electric cars, the battery is more like a phone where you just top it up,” Dr kane said.
“Sometimes you fill it up overnight, but you might grab a few percent here and there while you stop for a coffee or grab lunch at a great pub like here in Esk.
“Then you might get to the hotel or caravan park where you’re staying and charge it fully overnight. So in many ways, it’s maybe more convenient than a petrol car.”
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Brisbane resident and EV driver Karina Griffiths said the new charger in Pryde St added to the appeal of a trip to Esk.
“Esk is one of my favourite day trips; I love the Saturday morning markets, browsing the antique and gift shops and stopping for a coffee or a meal at a country pub,” Ms Griffiths said.
“With an EV though, we were often on borrowed time and had to really plan our trips in advance.
“Now with EV chargers available in Somerset, we have greater flexibility in what we can do.
“This trip we were able to stay overnight and it’s been fantastic. We did the Latte and Llamas walk in Esk with Ottaba Llamas and tried out the new glamping safari tents at the Esk Caravan Park.”
Channel 7’s Weekender program has featured the benefits EV chargers are bringing to regional towns like Esk.
Watch the segment here.
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