Currently there is a fringe benefit tax (FBT) exemption for eligible EVs and associated car expenses. Under the exemption, employers and employees can salary package EVs without incurring FBT, significantly reducing the vehicle’s overall cost. However, the vehicles must be below the luxury car tax threshold.

Under its EV strategy, the NSW Government is investing $289 million, which includes incentives for fleets and charging infrastructure, with $199 million invested to support private charger point operators to install chargers at various locations across the state, including carparks, along major highways, and at accommodation such as hotels and residential areas.

To assist potential EV drivers we have created a website – Let’s DriVE which provides information such as:

• EV charging stations across NSW
• Finding an electric vehicle that’s right for you
• How much does it really cost to own an electric car?
• EV charging infrastructure. Money available
• Australia’s heavy vehicles shift gears toward electrification
• Plan now for the electrification of agriculture
• Be sustainable. Use the Green Vehicle Guide

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EVenture Map combines EV charging station locations with a built-in local explorer, helping drivers turn every charging stop into a mini tourism experience.

With EV uptake surging across NSW, and petrol costs continuing to bite, the free platform arrives at a timely moment for motorists looking to travel smarter and more sustainably.

How it works
Drivers simply enter a destination on eventuremap.nsw.gov.au to locate nearby charging stations. On arrival, a QR code sticker on the charger opens a personalised guide to local points of interest – from cafes and restaurants to parks, shops, events, entertainment and toilets – all within walking distance while the vehicle charges. The QR code is not essential, just open the website and the GPS locator gives access.

“EVenture Map’s key benefit for EV drivers is to make the most of their time at every charging stop and it promotes spontaneous tourism. It’s easy-to-use, free and helps motorists explore NSW more sustainably,” said Cr Kevin Beatty, Chair of the Central NSW Joint Organisation.

“We hope EVenture Map empowers more people to travel and plan their trips with confidence and ease, whether they’re a tourist, a daily commuter, or a business traveller.” added Cr Beatty.

The details
The map currently pinpoints more than 2,000 EV charging stations across NSW, with data updated regularly from the NSW Government, the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW) and local councils. Additional EV charging operators are invited to add their locations to the platform.

The tool is not exclusively for EV drivers; anyone can use it by simply scanning the QR code or accessing the website if they are at or near an EV charger point.

EVenture Map is a free initiative for users, developed through the NSW Government Joint Organisation Net Zero Accelerator (JONZA) Program, a collaboration of joint organisations and regional councils across NSW.

Explore and plan your EV journey at www.eventuremap.nsw.gov.au

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Batteries, both loose (AA, AAA, button batteries) and Embedded Batteries (such as cordless electronic devices, smart watches and vapes) must never be placed in any at home kerbside bin.   

Batteries need to be disposed of correctly at CRCs or in-store locations (such as supermarkets and hardware stores).   

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RAMJO Chair Cr Ruth McRae OAM said the appointment will strengthen RAMJO’s capacity to develop a clear, evidence-based submission reflecting the priorities of Riverina and Murray communities.
“The Murray-Darling Basin Plan Review is a critical opportunity to ensure future settings deliver real environmental outcomes while recognising the socio-economic realities for Basin communities,” Cr McRae said.
“RAMJO has appointed Claire Miller Consulting following an Expression of Interest process to provide targeted policy research, analysis and drafting support to help shape a rigorous, well-referenced submission on behalf of our member councils.”

Under the engagement, the consultant will support RAMJO across key components of submission development, including policy issue mapping, stakeholder and ally identification, socio-economic and environmental analysis, and preparation of a structured draft and final submission for RAMJO member review.

Cr McRae said the work program is designed to provide RAMJO with progressive briefings and deliverables across February–April 2026, supporting member councils to give timely direction as the review consultation progresses.

Claire Miller is an experienced water policy and communications professional with longstanding involvement in Basin policy reform and stakeholder engagement, including with local government across the NSW Riverina and northern Victoria.

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RAMJO’s EPA Funded resource recovery programs encompass the Riverina and Murray Waste Groups, FOGO (Food Organics, Green Organics) the CRC Recycling Program, Battery Collection Program, Business Food Waste Partnership and BinTrim Program amongst others.

Emma commenced as the Regional Resource Recovery Project Manager with RAMJO this month and brings 17 years of waste and resource recovery industry experience with her.  Emma has worked in local councils, with collaborative groups of councils and recently state government in Victoria.

Emma tells us “I am looking forward to progressing the work with the RAMJO councils and acquainting myself with NSW priorities in regional resource recovery. I am very eager to meet with the member councils at the upcoming combined councils meetings, the first of which to be held in Moama on Wednesday 25 February.”

Emma will be supported by Sami-J Campbell who has been employed at RAMJO in a full time basis with 0.5FTE of her focus on the Water Loss Management Program.

Sami has experience in the resource recovery space having previously worked closely with residents and businesses in various roles around Albury and other member councils across the region, as well as completing her Certificate 4 in Waste Management. Sami will be working alongside councils in different projects involving Resource Recovery as well as the Water Loss Management project. Sami has settled into the RAMJO team and is keen to meet with all the member councils.

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Round One of the Sustainable Communities Program announced on 13^th March in Griffith by the NSW Minister for Agriculture, Regional and Western NSW, forms part of a $160 million allocation for all of NSW, intended to alleviate negative impacts resulting from the Federal Governments water-buy back purchases. The Local Government Areas of Balranald, Berrigan, Carrathool, Edward River, Griffith, Hay, Leeton, Murray River and Murrumbidgee, all of which are RAMJO member councils, are eligible to apply for round one of the grant.

“Our members are becoming increasingly concerned that the current and still to be determined structure of the Sustainable Communities Program pits communities and councils against each other for essential funding, rather than fostering widespread collaboration, equitable resource distribution and long-term solutions to our Regions economic livelihood,” said Cr. Ruth McRae OAM, RAMJO Chairperson and Mayor of Murrumbidgee Council. “Many of our members are prioritising the completion of innovative, shovel-ready projects that align with the program’s goals as a priority, as we were advised round one applications will be assessed on a first in, best dressed basis. We can only hope that future rounds are more strategic and not this competitive” said Cr. McRae.

 Despite the NSW Government opposing water-buy backs, the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has agreed to undertake administering the Sustainable Communities Program, including community consultation, grant application processes and assessment on behalf of the Federal Government for the full $160 million allocation for NSW. “Although we commend and welcome DPIRD’s efforts in meeting with our regions Council, Industry and Community leaders, I think many of us walked away with a sense of unease at the apparent lack of understanding of the ongoing critical issues our Region faces, which we fear will only be exacerbated by continued water buy-backs” said Cr. McRae OAM.

RAMJO Executive Officer Ms. Yvonne Lingua highlighted existing challenges the RAMJO Region faces, which RAMJO believes need to be addressed to have any chance at enabling sustainable communities. “$160 million, of which we have no guarantee will be allocated for Southern Basin Communities which are tipped to be most affected by the latest rounds of water buy-backs, will not go far in addressing our Regions immediate need for improved energy security and digital connectivity, the bare minimum for any community needing to diversify economic output”.

 Ms. Lingua further explained that some RAMJO Local Government Areas experience regular brown-outs due to grid-capacity constraints, particularly on hot-days. “ In addition to being the food-bowl of the Nation, we now are contributing to our Nations power supply through the South-West Renewable Energy Zone, yet we have not secured our own energy needs which is critical to ensuring we can attract sustainable industries to our Region for our economic viability which is being directly threatened by the buy-backs” said Ms. Lingua.

With a Federal Election around the corner on 3 May 2025, RAMJO calls on the Federal Government to immediately and more thoroughly assess the impact of water buy-backs on not only Southern Basin communities, but on all Australians. “It’s not difficult to understand that when our regional communities can’t produce our nations food, our pressures are quicky felt in the city with a rise in food costs and a reliance on low-quality overseas imports. We’ve seen this time and time again and we urge our city counterparts to consider the hugely significant role our Regions play in maintaining our Nations high standard of living, and seek their support in ensuring equitable access to the basics such as the chance to earn a living, energy security and digital connectivity” Cr. McRae urged.

RAMJO calls for strong leadership and transparency over water buy-back purchasing methodologies at both the State and Federal level, and an immediate commitment to addressing our regions serious concerns around the impact of water-buy backs and the lack of strategic, long term-planning from the State and Federal Government in ensuring our Regions livelihood. RAMJO reiterates its position as a solutions-based and knowledgeable asset that State and Federal Government could easily leverage off of to immediately address these concerns.

The Riverina and Murray Joint Organisation is comprised of 11 councils in the Riverina and Murray region with a combined Gross Regional Product of $11.23 billion (NIEIR 2023). Visit www.ramjo.nsw.gov.au to review our Water, Transport and Energy Security Strategies and see how our member councils are working collaboratively to improve outcomes for RAMJO communities.

“Regional prosperity should not be a zero-sum game” said Cr.McRae. “RAMJO remains committed to working with all levels of government to enable thriving and sustainable communities”.

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If your business has a fleet of at least 3 vehicles, you may be eligible to claim $5,000 to put towards the purchase of an EV passenger vehicle, and up to $20,000 per EV truck. Businesses may also claim $4,000 to $8,000 for the supply and installation of smart chargers at your premises.

With support from the New South Wales Government, the Riverina and Murray Joint Organisation (RAMJO) and Griffith City Council hosted the Riverina and Murray region’s first ever Electric Vehicle (EV) Summit and Drive Day in Griffith, NSW on Wednesday 5 February 2025.

The event was held to dispel a few myths, share more information on the programs and incentives available for transitioning to EVs, as well as bring councils, businesses and community together to explore and test drive some of the most popular EVs on the market today; including the very recently released Ford F-150 Lightning, Mustang MachE, Hyundai Kona EV, and more! 

Hosted at the Yoogali Club, the summit was tailored for council staff, businesses, and key council stakeholders, as well as the wider community and businesses in the region.

Councils and businesses heard from Speakers on topics such as NSW Government EV grant programs and funding incentives, how far the region has come since charging site feasibility assessments were completed in 2022, the ‘State of EVs 2024’ in Australia and what lies ahead, opportunities to accelerate kerbside charging, electrifying the fleet and depot readiness, understanding network capacity for EV charging, EV maintenance and repair, and vehicle to grid/building.

RAMJO Chair Cr. Ruth McRae OAM and Mayor of Murrumbidgee Shire Council said “This is a multi-faceted event being hosted in our vibrant and prosperous Region. This event is not just about helping RAMJO member councils cut costs, it’s about helping them to meet broader Net Zero initiatives and bring key players to the table, to discuss major opportunities and challenges, like how we can address grid constraint issues and get more EV’s in the region, as effectively as possible”.

Recently announced Federal support with an additional $2.4M in funding from ARENA to EVX Australia will see the installation of 250 EVX Polechargers deployed across NSW, VIC, and SA – that’s 500 additional charger points.

This separate announcement by the Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen will be a major boost for street-side EV charging across the country. By leveraging existing power poles, EV charging will be more accessible in both urban and regional areas— helping drivers and travellers without home charging options make the switch to electric with ease.

These initiatives are instrumental in scaling Australia’s EV future, reducing range anxiety, and supporting our goal of 100% renewable energy-powered charging.

Below are some links to Electric Vehicle related state and federal programs:-

NSW Electric Vehicle Strategy – https://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/nsw-plans-and-progress/government-strategies-and-frameworks/electric-vehicle-strategy

 Destination Charging Round 3 – https://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/business-and-industry/programs-grants-and-schemes/electric-vehicles/electric-vehicle-destination

 EV Public Charging Master Plan – https://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/business-and-industry/programs-grants-and-schemes/electric-vehicles/EV-master-plan-map

Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) Driving the Nation Program – https://www.energy.gov.au/news-media/news/ev-charging-infrastructure-boosted-24m-initiative

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If your business has a fleet of at least 3 vehicles, you may be eligible to claim $5,000 to put towards the purchase of an EV passenger vehicle, and up to $20,000 per EV truck. Businesses may also claim $4,000 to $8,000 for the supply and installation of smart chargers at your premises.

With support from the New South Wales Government, the Riverina and Murray Joint Organisation (RAMJO) and Griffith City Council have partnered to host the Riverina and Murray region’s first ever Electric Vehicle (EV) Summit and Drive Day in Griffith, NSW on Wednesday 5 February and Thursday 6 February 2025.

At this event we hope to dispel a few myths, share more information on the programs and incentives available for transitioning to EVs, as well as bring the councils, businesses and community together to explore and test drive some of the most popular EVs on the market today; including the very recently released Ford F-150 Lightning, BYD Shark 6 off-road 4X4 utility, Mustang MachE, Hyundai Kona EV, and more! 

Hosted at the Yoogali Club, this event is being held over two days, with the first day being tailored for council staff, businesses, and key council stakeholders, and the second for the wider Riverina and Murray community and beyond.

On the first day, councils and businesses will hear from Speakers on topics such as NSW Government EV grant programs and funding incentives, how far the region has come since charging site feasibility assessments were completed in 2022, the ‘State of EVs 2024’ in Australia and what lies ahead, opportunities to accelerate kerbside charging, electrifying the fleet and depot readiness, understanding network capacity for EV charging, EV maintenance and repair, and vehicle to grid/building.

We are thrilled to have Mr Chris Dalitz from Riverina Electric Vehicle Owners, Likers and Testers (REVOLT) will host the second day of this EV event, Thursday 6 Feb, when members of the community are invited to explore and test drive EVs and some machinery.

The principal of ‘Totally Relaxed’ Engineering Consultancy practice, Chris has a lifelong interest in Electric Vehicles, having completed his undergraduate thesis on a DC Chopper for an electric car at UNSW in 1981. He has driven and ridden in many EV’s over the decades and purchased his first personal EV, a Mitsubishi i-MiEV, in April 2013.

Now, a few EVs later and in addition to his role as Founder of REVOLT, Chris is also a current active member of the Australian Electric Vehicle Association (AEVA), the Tesla Owners Club of Australia (TOCA), founder of the Dubbo Electric Vehicle Interest Owners Users and Supporters (DEVIOUS), and member of several Standards Australia committees (representing Engineers Australia) EM001 – Electric Mobility where he was the drafting lead of the review of AS-5732 Electric Vehicle Operations – Maintenance and Repair AND committee IT-269 Smart Cities Electro-Tech Systems AND EL-068 – Live Working.

Mr. Chris Dalitz, REVOLT at the Riverina Eastern Regional Organisation of Councils’ (REROC) Energy & Innovation Conference in Wagga Wagga, August 2024.

We hope you can join us for what is set to be a fun and informative day!

Registration Link Day 1: https://events.humanitix.com/charging-ahead-ramjo-electric-vehicle-summit-and-drive-day

Registration Link Day 2: https://events.humanitix.com/charging-ahead-electric-vehicle-and-machinery-drive-day?hxchl=hex-pfl

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Digital Connectivity

Media: Justin Clancy | Chris Stern | 0418 469 134
RAMJO | Yvonne Lingua | 0408 498 534

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Over two hundred award nominations were received this year, double that of previous years. The judging panel, featuring over 50 leading tourism experts, noted the increase in the quality of submissions, reflecting the growth in commitment to excellence across the state.

The 2024 RAMJO Member and Associate Member Winners and Finalists are as follows:

Tourist Attractions
BRONZE – Barooga Sports Club, Berrigan Shire Council
Hay Shire Council, Hay Shire Council
Sandhills Artefacts, Narrandera Shire Council

Aboriginal and Torress Strait Islander Tourism Experience 
GOLD – Bundyi Cultural Tours, Wagga Wagga City Council

Major Festivals & Events
SILVER – Strawberry Fields Festival, Berrigan Shire Council
Deni Ute Muster, Edward River Council

Excellence in Food Tourism
SILVER – Food I Am, Wagga Wagga City Council
BRONZE – Tocumwal Chocolate School, Berrigan Shire Council
Calabria Family Wines, Griffith City Council
McWilliam’s Wines, Griffith City Council

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