General News
7 September, 2024
Mayor‘s green set of wheels
CAIRNS Mayor Amy Eden is going electric. She will soon take delivery of a Hyundai IONIQ 5 at a cost of nearly $71,000.
A council spokeswoman said the mayor was also currently driving a council fleet car, also electric, pending the arrival of the Hyundai IONIQ 5.
“Both vehicles are electric, reflecting (the) council’s commitment to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions,” she said.
“All mayors have the option of a council-provided car as part of their remuneration – an option that has been taken up by all recent mayors.
“Mayors have the option of purchasing that vehicle from (the) council at the end of their term, as was the case when Mayor Bob Manning left office.”
The spokeswoman said the council’s remuneration guidelines capped the value of the mayor’s vehicle at $72,200 (2023/24 value). The mayor’s new vehicle costs $70,645.
It’s a far cry from her personal car, a thirsty V8 Toyota LandCruiser 4WD wagon.
“Mayor Eden selected the vehicle she preferred, and (the) council sought quotes from local dealerships,” the spokeswoman said.
“Having a dedicated vehicle assists the mayor in attending the multiple events and meetings she has on behalf of the Cairns community each day.”
The car (similar to the one pictured below) is powered by a 160kW electric motor which drives the rear wheels and has a range of up to 481km.
During her election campaign, Cr Eden drove an electric GWM Ora car courtesy of Cairns Cars. The price of an Ora ranges from $35,990 to $43,990.
