Walgett Shire Council Joins Electric Vehicle Trial

Published on 14 July 2025

Walgett Shire Council is proud to announce its participation in the Far North West Electric Vehicle (EV) Trial, a regional initiative aimed at testing the capability and suitability of electric vehicles across local government operations in western New South Wales.

As part of the three-week trial, two Kia EV5 Air Long Range SUVs will be put to the test under Walgett’s unique regional conditions. The goal is to assess whether these or similar EV models can meet the demands of Council’s operational fleet.

Mayor Jasen Ramien said the trial represents a valuable opportunity for Council to explore these technologies in real world setting. “We want to see how electric vehicles handle the distances, road conditions and operational requirements specific to our region” Mayor Ramien said.

The trial is being delivered in partnership with the Far North West Joint Organisation (FNWJO) as part of the Joint Organisations Net Zero Acceleration (JONZA) project. This program is funded by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) and supports councils across the state in identifying opportunities to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.

Acting General Manager Andrew Brown welcomed the chance to put the EVs through their paces and assess key performance claims, including the manufacturer’s stated 555-kilometre range.

“Council is constantly looking at ways to manage our assets more efficiently,” Mr Brown said. “This trial will allow us to evaluate the long term financial and environmental benefits of EVs, particularly in terms of fuel savings and reduced maintenance requirements.”

The vehicles have just completed a successful three-week trial in Coonamble and will move to Bourke and Cobar following their time in Walgett, as part of the regional initiative.

Mr Brown said that the EV trial is one component of the work Council has been doing to identify opportunities to reduce energy consumption and costs. 
“As part of the JONZA project, we have also undertaken energy audits at our top energy consuming sites,” he said. “The results will help identify targeted upgrades and drive energy efficiency across Council’s infrastructure.”

Participation in the trial is at no cost to Council. All associated expenses, including EV charging, are fully covered under the project.

END

Contact Council
admin@walgett.nsw.gov.au
02 6828 6100

Media Contact
Sherisse Fensom
Manager Communications and Corporate Reporting
Walgett Shire Council
0447 572 956
sfensom@walgett.nsw.gov.au