Over 60 attendees were registered from councils across the Hunter region as well as from multiple councils as far north as Kempsey and as far south as Shellharbour.

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The workshop was dedicated to helping councils navigate the essential aspects of transitioning to electric vehicle (EV) fleets.

Designed specifically for local government, the event provided a platform for council representatives to collectively address, and collaborate on, shared challenges in the EV transition process.

During the session, multiple electric vehicles were available to test drive, including cars, trucks and ride-on mowers to assist councils in planning for their fleet transition.

Brands on display included Tesla, Kia, BYD, MG, Janus Electric, Sea Electric, Hyundai and EcoTeq.

Climate Council Clean Transport Officer for the Cities Power Partnership, Melinda Everett said, “Local governments are placing increasing importance on having a formal transition plan towards electrifying their fleets.

“As we await the Federal Government’s announcement on fuel efficiency standards, which will bring more low and zero emissions vehicles to our shores, councils are getting ahead and convening today on how to make this transition, reduce transport emissions and fleet costs, and improve community health.

“We know from our most recent Cities Power Partnership survey of 185 councils committed to reduce CO2 emissions in their community, more than half (52.5 percent) of respondents are actively investigating electric vehicles within their government and waste fleet.

“The business case for councils to electrify their fleet is the strongest it’s ever been.

“With the lower costs in electric vehicle operation and maintenance costs, money not spent on fuel and maintenance can be invested back into the local economy of our cities and towns.”

Hunter Joint Organisation Chair Cr Sue Moore, who serves as Mayor of Singleton Council, said, “Coming together to explore electrification of council fleets supports councils to contribute to achieving state, national and international goals to reach net zero emissions by 2050 from a whole-of-region approach.

“Electrifying vehicles, trucks and maintenance equipment owned by councils is an important step in reaching these goals.

“Across the region councils have endorsed net zero or emissions reduction targets and the Hunter Joint Organisation’s Net Zero Acceleration program funded by the state government is providing practical tools and pathways to achieve these goals.

“The Electrifying Council Fleets workshop is an excellent example of the great outcomes coming from this program and provides an opportunity for our councils and other councils from across the state to come together with state government, businesses and industry to collectively address shared challenges in the EV transition process.

“The Hunter Joint Organisation and its member councils are also working together on a range of further net zero projects including the development of a Regional Net Zero Strategy, delivering local government specific training, and exploring the potential of revolving energy funds, power purchasing agreements to reduce emissions and save money.”

The Hunter Joint Organisation is a collaborative body that brings together the ten councils in the Hunter region to provide a united and local voice for local communities.