Busselton Jetty Tourist Park goes green with electric vehicle transition

Bussleton Jetty Tourist Park has embraced the green transition by replacing an old diesel-powered utility vehicle with a new electric one. The UTV is powered with a series of rechargeable 6V batteries and will be used daily for checking bins, irrigation, general work around the grounds, and moving materials or people. Aside from its lack of emissions, the UTV is also a lot quieter, meaning less disruption for guests. The park predicts the vehicle will also reduce operation costs compared with its diesel-powered predecessor. A City of Busselton spokesperson said the city was investigating ways to have a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly vehicle fleet. They said 50 per cent of the city’s electricity came from natural power, meaning it was sourced from renewable energy sources, with 16 city-owned facilities powered exclusively by natural power. The city is one of many South West local governments to consider making its vehicle fleet electric. The shires of Augusta-Margaret River and Harvey have received State funding for their EV transitions, with the Harvey shire announcing in June it aimed to have 30 per cent of its vehicles electric by 2030. However, not all are getting on board, with the shire of Capel rejecting a grant under the same program funding Harvey’s transition. Shire chief executive officer Gordon MacMile told the council there were “significant concerns” over implementation of EVs including insurance, infrastructure and trade-in costs.