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Agriculture, Farming & Rural
FCA

Gippsland residents have their say on climate, energy

Farmers for Climate Action

  • Bushfires and floods driving increased climate concern

  • Energy companies blamed for high bills

  • Just 18% of Gippsland residents polled oppose the shift to clean energy

Farmers for Climate Action has released polling of the Gippsland region, as it aims to have the voices of regional communities heard.

The polling of 300 Gippsland residents was part of a broader poll of 1,965 residents across key renewable energy zones, with the polling completed on March 20 (polling tables attached). The research firm, 89 Degrees East, is a member of The Research Society of Australia.

Media contact: Cam Klose 0490 436 948 [email protected]

FCA CEO Verity Morgan-Schmidt said the data showed 28% of Gippsland residents polled had become more concerned about climate change in the past year.

"28% of those polled in Gippsland have become more concerned about climate change in the past 12 months. Bushfires (78%), floods (64%) and heatwaves (58%) were the top answers when Gippsland residents were asked what had made them more concerned about climate change," Ms Morgan-Schmidt said.

"Fifty-one per cent of Gippsland residents blame energy company profiteering as the key reason for high energy bills. Others named global energy price spikes and coal power station breakdowns; just 17% said clean energy was responsible.

"Some 66% of Gippsland residents name solar as the "significant" energy source for the future, while 44% say offshore wind, 42% nominate onshore wind, 31% say gas, 28% say coal, with nuclear last at 24%.

"The data showed a striking gap between real and perceived support for clean energy in Gippsland. Support for clean energy in Gippsland remains strong at 60%, with 18% opposed, and 22% neither supporting nor opposing. Yet, only 39% of those polled said they thought there was majority support for clean energy in the region.

"Media and social media algorithms continue to promote conflict, and FCA continues to listen to farmers, not Facebook."

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Contact details:

Media contact: Cam Klose 0490 436 948 [email protected]