Council considers e-scooters for Yeppoon to increase visitor transport options

Council is considering the potential for e-scooters to operate in Yeppoon, with an online survey launching today to gauge the community’s support of a pilot trial.

Council has been approached by e-scooter hire operators to introduce the trial, providing an opportunity to improve tourist accessibility and positively impact retail and tourism spend by injecting money into local businesses.

Councillor Rhodes Watson, Portfolio Holder of Vibrant Communities (Tourism, Arts Culture), said E-scooters also provide an alternative mode of transport, encouraging locals and visitors to rethink short car journeys.

“E-scooter use is already a popular offering in major cities and regional destinations such as Port Douglas, Townsville, and Bundaberg,” Cr Watson said.

“E-scooters can positively impact communities by reducing carbon emissions, mitigating congestion and parking issues, and by providing an efficient and novelty mode of transport for both locals and visitors to explore the town.

“The increased investment in our shared pathway networks which now cover approximately 13.7 kilometres of the Capricorn Coast, would also allow for e-scooter use across a large section of coastline and surrounding suburbs.

“Council is conducting an online survey to ask members of the community how and when they may consider using e-scooters and what benefit they think their use will bring to the Yeppoon’s Town Centre and surrounding recreational areas.

“The survey results will aim to uncover who will use e-scooters, which locations they will best service, and the purpose of the trips, alongside any foreseeable issues or concerns.

“A series of Frequently Asked Questions will also be available online, which answer questions about hire costs, accessing the e-scooters, what speed they travel at and their safety regulations.

“If the survey results prove favourable, Council may consider approving a pilot project with up to 250 e-scooters available for hire in Yeppoon.

“Council is engaging with several community groups, sporting clubs, key agencies, and businesses as well as the community on this initiative, and encourages everyone to jump online and have their say,” Cr Watson said.

The survey is now open until 9 January, 2022, with a report on its results expected to be presented to Council in February.

Visit https://getinvolved.livingstone.qld.gov.au/e-scooters to take part.