The switch was flicked at Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Cairns today to celebrate the opening of Australia’s first electric vehicle tourism driving network.

The 500-kilometre Tropical North Queensland Electric Vehicle Drive will feature six electric vehicle charging stations, all powered up at key tourist attractions across the Cairns region:

Paronella Park

Herberton Historic Village

Coffee Works Mareeba

Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures

Mossman Gorge Visitor Centre

Minister for State Development Cameron Dick said the project was an important step as Queensland continued its renewable and sustainable transition on fuels.

“These new charging stations will make Queensland more accessible and attractive to visitors driving electric vehicles, and with that increased tourist activity comes with it more jobs,” Mr Dick said.

“The Palaszczuk Government will keep working to deliver future-focused infrastructure as we continue our charge towards our 2030 and 2050 renewables and emissions targets.”

Member for Barron River Craig Crawford said innovative tourism experiences like this drive would add a new dimension to the natural beauty of Far North Queensland.

“This drive encourages visitors to explore more of our stunning region and to visit our iconic attractions,” Mr Crawford said.

“The increased tourism dollars will boost our economy and help to stimulate more local employment.”

Cairns company Intrust Energy Solutions delivered the charger installations together with EVSE Australia.

Member for Cairns Michael Healy said destination chargers like these were a crucial driver for the uptake of electric vehicles.

“This charging network will encourage more travellers to plan their next drive holiday in the Tropical North,” Mr Healy said.

“And with free vehicle recharges planned for the next 12 months, there’s no better time than now for people to act on their curiosity and take an electric vehicle for a spin.”

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said Far North Queensland is the ideal place for Australia’s first EV tourism driving network.

“This is yet another fantastic reason for visitors to come to Tropical North Queensland and spend more time seeing our iconic attractions,” she said.

RACQ Head of Public Policy Rebecca Michael said the electric vehicle initiative is a step in the right direction for the motoring industry.

“We’ve seen many advancements in electric vehicles recently, with a wider range of more affordable models now coming onto the market,” Dr Michael said.

“Comprehensive and connected charging networks like this are needed to help give drivers the confidence to make the switch to a low emissions vehicle, so they know they can get to their destination and back home again with the convenience of being able to charge up on their travels.”

The Tropical North Queensland Electric Vehicle Drive was delivered as part of the Palaszczuk Government’s The Future is Electric: Queensland’s Electric Vehicle Strategy.

It builds on the Queensland Electric Superhighway that stretches from the Gold Coast to Cairns.