Queensland Council Reinstates EV Charging Project After Backlash
Livingstone Shire Council in Queensland has reversed its contentious decision to halt the installation of public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations following significant community opposition.
The council had initially voted to suspend plans for a charging station in Yeppoon on the Capricorn Coast. The move came after Mayor Adam Belot viewed a commercial television report raising environmental and human rights issues related to the EV supply chain.
However, during a heated special council meeting attended by numerous EV advocates, the decision was overturned.
Livingstone Council CEO Terry Dodds revealed that Evie Networks, the company selected for the installation, had since withdrawn from the project, citing reputational concerns and high electricity costs.
Mayor Belot’s initial concerns were triggered by a Channel 7 Spotlight program investigating Indonesia’s Morowali Industrial Park — the world’s largest nickel processing facility. The program questioned worker safety practices and environmental impacts in the area. While nickel is a component in EV batteries, the report did not link any specific vehicles sold in Australia to the Indonesian site.
Councillors Clash Over Reversal
Councillor Rhodes Watson criticized the mayor’s actions, becoming emotional as he condemned the original decision.
“I thank the mayor for putting Livingstone Shire in the national spotlight for the wrong reasons,” Cr Watson said. “Your unresearched, knee-jerk reaction embarrassed the whole region.”
Mayor Belot ultimately supported reversing the suspension, defending his earlier move as a responsible pause for further investigation.
He rejected claims that his actions harmed the area’s tourism industry, calling such assertions exaggerated.
“My decision to pause this project was based on potential human rights concerns, and I believe it’s our responsibility as a local government to consider these factors,” he said.
“I’m happy to support EV adoption — but we must do it ethically and responsibly.”
