RECENT criticisms of the choice of location for the Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station on Lonsdale Street has prompted the Southern Grampians Shire Council (SGSC) to respond, with indications the issue is far from over.

Last week, Hamilton RSL president Danny Bland, and vice-president Graeme Mustow OAM, wrote a Letter to the Editor expressing their concerns about the placement of the station, claiming it had “no place in the same location as memorials erected in memory of men and women who gave their lives in defence of our region and country”.

“The Hamilton RSL has no issue with electric vehicles and the need to have charging stations for them,” the letter said.

“Our issue is the location of the charging station in Hamilton.”

The letter pointed to a lack of consultation from Council, called it “a desecration of the memory of our fallen” and listed alternatives that could’ve been considered.

SGSC Infrastructure and Sustainability director, Marg Scanlon, responded to The Spectator:

“The location of the single EV charging station unit which has two connection points in Hamilton was selected as it is in a Council-owned Road Reserve, that is on a well frequented tourist route,” she said.

“There is a high volume of passing traffic and the location will allow good visibility and ease of access to the charging station.

“The installation of this EV Charging Station demonstrates Council’s commitment to sustainability and, this will be the first of many charging stations to be installed in Hamilton and surrounding townships.

“We have been in contact this week with the RSL to hear their concerns. We have assured them that there is no impact to Anzac services at the location.

“Council understands Hamilton RSL are open to discuss the option to install additional interpretive signage on site to promote the importance of the monuments within close proximity of the charger and the potential screening of the charger unit.

“Council welcomes the opportunity to discuss this further with the Hamilton RSL Committee.”

Mr Bland said he was happy to speak with Council, but still wanted to see a better outcome.

“Our RSL has a twofold mission, we are here for our current Veterans to assist them to live their best lives and to act as custodians of Hamilton’s Defence Service legacy,” he said.

“Hamilton has a rich service history from the Boer War through to Veterans who served in Afghanistan.

“Last week our RSL was involved with dealing with a Veteran who was not traveling well - this is our focus and passion. However, we have also had to spend an inordinate amount of time dealing with the lack of consultation from the Council with regards to the EV charging station.

“While we welcome the opportunity to open dialogue with the Council, my attention must be focused on our current Veterans and building a modern RSL for future Veterans that are moving into the area.

“I was pleased to receive a phone call from The Honourable Dan Tehan’s office, and he (former Veterans Affairs Minister) has offered to act as our Advocate.

“We feel as an RSL community that this situation can be better resolved through consultation between the Council and our member of Parliament.”