At the end of its usable life, Sale Botanic Gardens’ ageing ride-on wheelbarrow has been replaced by an environmentally-friendly electric grounds and turf vehicle.

Similar to a modified golf cart, the vehicle plugs into a normal power point and can hold charge for up to three days, eliminating fumes, the need to buy fuel or complete extensive servicing. Its quiet motor means less engine noise in the gardens, improving amenity for visitors and wildlife.

The vehicle has an in-built tipper for mulch and soil, extra capacity to carry two staff at once, and its trailer has already proven handy for lugging off-cuts and tools.

After a month behind the wheel, Council’s Natural Environment and Parks team is happy to report the new vehicle is meeting all expectations, having improved day-to-day operations. Staff are now able to stay out in the field for longer, instead of frequenting the Gardens’ maintenance shed for petrol, and can navigate the Gardens’ narrower paths while transporting multiple tools – an advantage over a ute or truck.

Wellington Shire Council Mayor Ian Bye said the decision to replace outdated equipment with an electric vehicle follows last year’s swap to a suite of battery-powered tools at Sale Botanic Gardens.

“Council has been looking for ways to improve efficiencies across the board, and lead when it comes to implementing sustainable practices that will take us into the future – and this is a great example,” Cr Bye said.

“The transition supports our commitment to reduce our carbon footprint and reach net zero by 2040. We’ll continue to electrify our operations over the next five years, in line with priorities set out in our Council Plan.”

For more information, please contact Council’s Natural Environment and Parks team on 1300 366 244.

Photo: Wellington Shire Council Horticulturalist Lucy Brilman and Sale Botanic Gardens Curator Tony King test drive the new electric cart.