The fully electric Volkswagen ID. Buzz EV’s retro style is already turning heads on the island. Photo: CEQ.
A not-for-profit remote store operator has marked an historic milestone for the Torres Strait by launching the first 100 per cent electric vehicle (EV) on Waibene (Thursday Island).
Representing a step forward for sustainable transport in the region, the new Volkswagen ID. Buzz EV van has been unveiled with a blessing from Father Stephen.
Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ) chief executive officer Michael Dykes said the launch was about more than transport and getting from A to B.
“The introduction of electric vehicles into the Torres Strait is a powerful symbol of progress and sustainability,” Mr Dykes said.
“Our hope for the future is that we can give confidence to others to do likewise and we can inspire individuals to create infrastructure that supports EVs across the Torres Strait.
“This EV demonstrates that even in remote regions, we can all play our part in reducing emissions and building climate resilience.”
The ID. Buzz EV will be used for daily CEQ operations, including:
- Waibene store daily activities
- regional store visits
- pick-ups from ferries
- general business and transporting team members between stores.
As part of the launch, CEQ also announced plans to install a public EV charging station on Waibene in 2026.
This will not only support CEQ’s new vehicle, but be available for other electric vehicles as they become more popular in the region.
Mr Dykes said the EV initiative aligned with CEQ’s commitment to Closing the Gap reforms by investing in infrastructure that empowered communities while protecting land and sea for future generations.
“Every EV on our roads means cleaner air for local families, reduced reliance on imported fuels, and greater protection of our marine ecosystems,” he said.
“This shift honours the long legacy of Torres Strait people as caretakers of Country and culture, while ensuring our communities remain strong and resilient.”
CEQ selected the VW ID. Buzz EV over other options because of the need for reliability and the retro style combi-van look suited the island culture.
“CEQ team members are already getting feedback that the Buzz is a welcome new resident and it’s certainly generated community interest with people wanting to buy their own,” Mr Dykes said.
The new EV comes just months after the IBIS Bamaga store received new solar energy infrastructure, further strengthening CEQ’s push towards cleaner, renewable and more sustainable solutions across the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area.
CEQ provides goods and essential services to the Torres Strait, Cape York Peninsula and in Doomadgee and on Palm Island through its 31 stores.
It manages the Islanders Board of Industry and Service (IBIS) and Aboriginal Business, Industry and Service (ABIS) stores, as well as other stores including Col Jones and Community Home and Hardware, and Mona’s Bazaar and Mitre 10 on Waibene.
Visit: www.ceqld.org.au
Electric feel: Father Stephen and the CEQ team on Waibene (Thursday Island). Photo: CEQ.
