Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall inspects a one-of-a-kind converted electric vehicle National Transport Museum President Kevin Dunn and board member Peter Bates.
Friday, 23 February 2018
BRIGHT sparks across the state will bolt to Inverell this May, with the Sapphire City playing host to one of the country’s largest electric vehicle extravaganzas, with support from the NSW Government.
Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall yesterday announced the inaugural Inverell Electric Vehicle Expo has secured a $20,000 grant from the NSW Government’s 2018 Incubator Event Fund.
Mr Marshall, who is also the State’s Minister for Tourism and Major Events, said the event would spark curiosity in electric vehicle usage, and contribute to the region’s tourism industry.
“Our region is at the forefront of renewable power generation – and this Electric Vehicle Expo will establish Inverell as a major player in this exciting new industry,” Mr Marshall said.
“As a first-time event, this $20,000 in incubator funding will help the National Transport Museum ensure the Expo can effectively market itself state-wide and secure important amenities.
“With a huge event planned for May 4, 5 and 6 this year, the National Transport Museum is already planning next year’s event, with expectations that it will become an annual fixture.”
Mr Marshall said that the event would supplement the Museum’s existing Motor Show, filling a gap in regional automotive events.
“The expo will showcase the latest electrical vehicles, and demonstrate the latest advancements, with presentations from manufacturers and distributors,” Mr Marshall said.
“This expo will coincide with the town’s Motor Show – so with a wide range of classic cars, vintage machinery and unique transportation relics, there will be something to interest everybody.
“Petrol and Diesel power remains a staple, particularly in regional areas, however, with the latest developments in efficiency and price, I think many people will be very impressed with the level of maturity in this emergent industry – and this event may see a few converts.”
Mr Marshall said organisers had extensively planned to ensure visitors could attend from the city.
“The National Transport Museum has lined up a series of charging points all the way to Sydney, with no more than 100 kilometres beyond each station,” he said.
“Inverell can look forwards to thousands of sightseers travelling from across the nation to test drive cutting edge vehicles, learn more about renewable energy, and viewing the Museum’s collection of dozens of vintage cars.
“Each out of town visitor will put money into the local economy, supporting Inverell businesses and helping the NSW Government’s goal of doubling overnight visitor expenditure by 2020.”
National Transport Museum President Kevin Dunn said expectations for the event were running high.
“Normally we get roughly 2000 through the door for the Motor Show, but being a three day event we’d expect at least 10,000 at the Electric Vehicle Expo,” Mr Dunn said.
“There’s been a lot of interest considering we haven’t even started advertising yet.”