Back
Agriculture, Farming & Rural
FCA

Illawarra residents have their say on climate, energy

Farmers for Climate Action

  • Increased heatwaves and bushfires driving increased climate concern

  • Energy companies blamed for high bills

  • Just 12% of Illawarra residents polled oppose the shift to clean energy

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

The polling of 451 Illawarra 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 33% of Illawarra residents polled had become more concerned about climate change in the past year.

"33% of those polled in Illawarra have become more concerned about climate change in the past 12 months. Heatwaves (68%) bushfires (66%), and floods (62%) were the top answers when Illawarra residents were asked what had made them more concerned about climate change," Ms Morgan-Schmidt said.

"Fifty per cent of Illawarra 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 14% said clean energy was responsible.

"Some 73% of Illawarra residents name solar as the "significant" energy source for the future, while 46% nominate onshore wind and offshore wind equally, 42% pumped hydro, with gas at 28%, coal at 25%, and nuclear last at 26%."

"The data showed a striking gap between real and perceived support for clean energy. Support for clean energy in Illawarra remains extremely strong at 68%, with 12% opposed, and 19% neither supporting nor opposing. Yet, only 49% 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."

- ENDS -


Contact details:

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