Imagine embarking on a road trip through the stunning landscapes of Queensland, only to realize your electric vehicle (EV) is running out of juice—and there’s nowhere to charge it. This is the stark reality for many EV owners along key inland highways, where the promise of a greener future seems to hit a dead end. For Jacki Whittaker, the excitement of owning an electric SUV two years ago quickly gave way to frustration when she discovered the gaps in Australia’s EV charging network. Driven by rising petrol costs and the desire to maximize their home solar system, her family made the leap into electric mobility, confident they’d left ‘range anxiety’ behind. But here’s where it gets controversial: while central western Queensland boasts a decent number of charging stations—enough for a ‘flawless journey’ through towns like Longreach, Winton, and Hughenden—other critical routes like the Peak Downs Highway remain a charging desert. And this is the part most people miss: regions like these, eager to boost their tourism appeal, are missing out on a golden opportunity by neglecting EV infrastructure.
When Ms. Whittaker needed to travel to Clermont for a funeral, she had no choice but to rent a petrol car. The three-hour drive from her home in Mackay highlighted a glaring omission: the Peak Downs Highway, a vital link between the Bowen Basin coalfields and the coast, lacks dedicated EV charging points. This isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a missed chance to cater to eco-conscious travelers eager to explore Queensland’s natural beauty. As Ms. Whittaker aptly pointed out, ‘You could do that if the Peak Downs had some EV infrastructure.’
But why the disparity? While the Queensland government has invested in charging stations across parts of central, western, and north-west Queensland, highways like the Peak Downs and sections of the Leichhardt Highway (north of Miles) have been left out of public funding schemes. The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads claims both its Electric Super Highway Program and a co-funding initiative for private investment are ‘fully contracted,’ with no additional funds allocated. This raises a critical question: Is the government doing enough to ensure rural and remote areas aren’t left behind in the EV revolution?
The Isaac Regional Council, through which the Peak Downs Highway runs, has only two registered EV chargers—both located in the coastal town of Clairview, far from the inland routes. Since 2020, the council hasn’t received a single development application for a privately run charger. Even in small communities like Clermont, the charging options listed on services like PlugShare are low-capacity and far from ideal for long-distance travelers. Alina Dini, from the Electric Vehicle Council, argues that commercial chargers in rural areas are becoming essential. ‘Public charging depends on usage and the overall program design,’ she explains, while highlighting an additional $40 million in federal funding allocated in September to expand the network. But with the federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water still determining how to allocate these funds, the wait continues.
For business owners like Dylan Jones, who runs a roadhouse on the Leichhardt Highway, installing a charger feels like an impossible task. Despite frequent requests from EV-driving customers, Jones can’t provide charging facilities because his off-grid power setup can’t handle the demand. ‘It’s just not commercially viable,’ he admits, citing the high out-of-pocket costs. Is it fair to expect small businesses to shoulder the burden of EV infrastructure in areas where government funding falls short?
Ms. Dini remains optimistic, noting that Australia’s high-powered charger coverage is expanding, and modern EVs now offer ranges of 400 to 600 kilometers. ‘You’re going to want to stop and top up anyway,’ she says. But for inland Queensland, the question remains: When will these stops become a reality? As the EV market grows, the need for equitable infrastructure becomes more urgent. What do you think? Is the government doing enough, or should more be done to support rural EV adoption? Let’s spark a conversation in the comments!
