Electric switch driving change

ABOUT this time 100 years ago the first rumblings of the internal combustion engine were gaining popularity throughout Australia.

Now Cairns has positioned itself at the head of a new automotive revolution, the Queensland Electric Super Highway.

The Cairns station on the Esplanade was the first to be installed by the Queensland Government in June 2017 and now leads the way with 683 charging sessions logged.

By the Transport Minister’s own admission the uptake of the gamechanging technology has been slow, but affordable long-range vehicles are expected to increase demand for the stations. One manufacturer will release an SUV later this year with a 470km range, costing less than $50,000. Electric-powered cars will soon no longer be out of reach for the everyday punter.

At its launch, many may have rolled their eyes at Queensland’s Electric Super Highway, believing it a novelty. The project costs the Queensland taxpayer $3 million and runs from Port Douglas to northern New South Wales.

A project that helps the environment can only benefit a region which relies on its natural treasures of reef and rainforest. More directly, anything that brings tourists driving into our region can only be good for business. In years to come the electric highway will surely be regarded as visionary. Peter Carruthers peter.carruthers@news.com.au