Shepparton is getting an electric vehicle dealership.
CMV Truck and Bus Shepparton branch manager Brody Gray confirmed the plan during the launch of an electric garbage truck trial at Shepparton-based waste handling company Foott on Tuesday, April 9.
“We’re in the process of building a brand-new dealership in town," Mr Gray said.
“It’s nearly finalised, the design of that dealership, and it’s going to incorporate all the latest technologies. Controlling air-con and lighting to keep it environmentally friendly, overkill on the solar system to make sure we’ve got more capacity for the future.
“Also looking at having on-site batteries and generators to work with the grid so we minimise our impact on the environment."
Mr Gray said the plans were well advanced.
“We’re hoping the end of (2025) we’ll be moving in," he said.
“We want to turn dirt (in) quarter three this year.”
Foott director Peter Foott said that with the business and industry moving in the electric direction, drivers and mechanics would need specific training.
“They’re (CMV) going to build an up-to-date, most exclusive facility, particularly for electric trucks,” he said.
“You can’t take them to anyone else but a high-voltage technician, otherwise they will do the wrong thing and blow themselves up.”
Employment minister unavailable for local media
The Victorian Employment Minister Vicki Ward was in the region on Wednesday, April 10, for an announcement to help "more people find work and succeed in their careers".
Unfortunately, that didn't include speaking with local media during her visit.
The media release that accompanied Ms Ward's visit said she attended Rumbalara Medical Clinic in Mooroopna where Jobs Victoria is delivering a local program to help people join the dental workforce.
"At the Rumbalara Medical Clinic – a community-controlled medical centre with an Aboriginal workforce – three dental trainees are undertaking the program and are expected to get their qualifications in October, helping to grow the clinic’s local Aboriginal workforce," the release said.
The News would have liked to ask Ms Ward about the program and other issues, such as her government's funding for road maintenance, for example, but was told that was not possible.
After some discussion on the merits of that arrangement, The News was told a short period of time would be made available as long as our journalist did not ask the minister about any issues outside her portfolio because she would have to be briefed on them and there was not enough time for that.
When The News said its journalist would ask about other issues, the interview was then refused.