The installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in Yeppoon on Queensland’s Capricorn Coast has been thrown into uncertainty after the company contracted to deliver the project abruptly withdrew, citing reputational risk and rising energy costs.
Livingstone Shire Council has now reversed its controversial decision to suspend the project following community backlash, only to find itself without a provider after Sydney-based company Evie Networks pulled out.
Backlash Over Sudden Suspension
The decision to halt the EV charging station came during a council meeting last week, prompted by Mayor Adam Belot after he viewed a report by Channel 7’s Spotlight program. The program focused on environmental and human rights concerns related to the Morowali Industrial Park in Indonesia – the world’s largest nickel processing facility – which has faced scrutiny over safety practices and environmental degradation.
READ MORE: Shire of Coolgardie CEO Resigns Amid Ongoing Workplace Investigation
Nickel is a key component of lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles, but the program did not establish a direct connection between the facility and EV batteries sold in Australia.
Nevertheless, Mayor Belot moved to suspend the Yeppoon charger installation as a precaution, stating that council had a responsibility to assess ethical sourcing in its procurement processes.
His decision drew swift criticism from within the council and the wider community, sparking a special meeting in which the majority voted to overturn the suspension.
‘Embarrassment to the Shire’
The decision to suspend the charger installation was met with outrage from both electric vehicle advocates and fellow councillors.
Councillor Rhodes Watson was visibly emotional during the heated special meeting, condemning the mayor’s original move.
“I thank the mayor for putting the Livingstone Shire on the national media last week for all the wrong reasons,” said Cr Watson. “Your notice of motion embarrassed the whole shire. You didn’t research properly. Your knee-jerk reaction brings us here today.”
Watson, a vocal supporter of the EV charger rollout, said the mayor’s actions undermined years of planning and jeopardised the council’s reputation.
The installation had been in development for nearly a decade, with Livingstone Council championing improved transport infrastructure and sustainability efforts through the introduction of EV charging stations.
Mayor Defends ‘Due Diligence’ Approach
In response, Mayor Belot defended his actions as responsible governance, insisting his intent was to ensure the project aligned with ethical procurement standards.
“My decision to pause two weeks ago was because I was not prepared to walk past at that point in time knowing that there were potentially human rights concerns,” Belot said. “I’ll take the economic benefit from the EVs but I want to make sure I’m doing it in a responsible and ethical way.”
He dismissed suggestions that the delay had harmed tourism or damaged the shire’s reputation as a forward-thinking, sustainable destination, calling those claims a “gross overreach.”
Supplier Backs Out
Despite the project’s reinstatement, Evie Networks has officially withdrawn from the Yeppoon charger installation. According to Livingstone Council CEO Terry Dodds, the company cited “reputational risk” linked to the public debate and media scrutiny, along with rising electricity prices, as their reasons for exiting the partnership.
“Evie Networks made it clear they were no longer comfortable being associated with the project under current conditions,” said Mr Dodds. “This is a disappointing development, particularly given the significant time invested in planning and securing a supplier.”
Yeppoon, a popular coastal town with growing tourism and residential appeal, had been identified as a strategic location for expanding Queensland’s public EV infrastructure. The charger would have served both local users and travelling motorists along the Capricorn Coast.
What’s Next for Livingstone?
Now without a supplier, Livingstone Shire Council must begin a new search for an alternative provider to deliver the EV charger.
Cr Belot indicated that the procurement process would continue, albeit with more oversight to ensure environmental and ethical standards were considered in future vendor assessments.
“We will be moving forward, but with the necessary due diligence that the community expects,” he said.
Council officers have already been tasked with identifying potential replacement providers and are expected to report back with options in the coming weeks.
Community Divided, Future Uncertain
While EV supporters are relieved that the council reversed its decision, the fallout from the controversy has left uncertainty around the future of electric vehicle infrastructure in the region.
Residents and environmental advocates have expressed frustration over the delay and the perception that Yeppoon may be seen as unfriendly to clean energy projects.
“We’ve been working hard to position our town as progressive and environmentally responsible,” said local EV owner Dean Griffiths. “This kind of back-and-forth sends the wrong message – not just to tourists, but to investors and sustainable energy companies.”
Despite the setback, Cr Watson believes the community will still see EV infrastructure delivered in the near future.
“It’s a bump in the road, but not the end of the road,” he said. “We’ll find a provider who shares our values and get this done.”
As Queensland continues to expand its EV charging network under the state government’s QESH (Queensland Electric Super Highway) program, Livingstone Shire’s next steps will be closely watched – both by its own constituents and by other local councils navigating similar challenges in the EV rollout.
