TALENT ALERT: New data reveals a 25% perception gap of regional majority support of renewables
Climate Media Centre
New research shows 62% of regional Australians support Australia’s shift to renewable energy, but only 37% think others in their community do.
This 25% perception gap has been weaponised by vested interests exploiting a minority of people who have genuine concerns. The new research reveals that majority support for renewables exists everywhere.
New Renew Australia for All research commissioned by 89 Degrees East surveyed public support for Australia’s shift to renewable energy across select Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland. The new polling proves that opposition to renewables in these REZ areas is only 17% overall (and as low as 12% in some regions) despite overrepresentation of resistance in the media.
This polling proves that renewables done right, with genuine consultation - have the support of regional Australia.
To arrange interviews with the below spokespeople who can speak to the support for renewables in regional Australia, please contact:
Gabrielle Platt on 0493 442 307 or [email protected]
Dr Rebecca Huntley, Executive Director at 89 Degrees East
DrRebecca Huntley is one of Australia's foremost researchers on social trends and a Fellow of the Research Society of Australia. She has also authored several books including ‘How to Talk About Climate Change in a Way that Makes a Difference’.
Location: Sydney, NSW
Peter Lewis, Executive Director at Essential
Peter is an owner and director of Essential. Peter is a regular columnist with the Guardian Australia, host of the Burning Platforms podcast, and the author of five books including Webtopia and The Public Square Project.
Location: Sydney, NSW
Andrew Bray, National Director of RE-Alliance
RE-Alliance is the leading voice advocating for regional communities in issues around the energy transition, especially transmission, community benefit sharing and addressing impacts on local communities.
Location: Southern Tablelands, NSW
Kate Hook, former independent candidate for Calare
Kate is the Co-Convener and Campaign Support Director for Climate 200, former community independent candidate for Calare and former Community Engagement Projects Manager at RE-Alliance. Kate is a small farmer, and community leader who helped establish a locally-owned renewable energy co-op. Kate can speak to her belief that the shift to clean energy is an opportunity to transform Calare and will lower living costs, create jobs, attract industries, and keep Australia competitive.
Location: Orange, NSW
Sophie Nichols, grazier
Sophie is a fourth generation farmer on a cattle farm on the outskirts of Singleton who has spoken about how years of drought, a bushfire and flooding rains left her family's farm with significant debt, poor groundcover, and substantial erosion. In response, Sophie decided they needed to change farming practices and be innovative, installing solar power and batteries to power her farm and reduce energy bills and using sustainable farming techniques.
Location: Singleton, NSW
Verity Morgan Schmidt, CEO of AgZero
Verity is the CEO of AgZero and former CEO of Farmers for Climate Action. AgZero equips farmers and rural Western Australians to rise to the challenges of climate change and seize the opportunities of clean energy and climate solutions.
Location: Western Australia
- END -
Contact details:
Climate Media Centre, Media Advisor: Gabrielle Platt - 0493 442 307 - [email protected]