Farmers for Climate Action
· Increased bushfires and heatwaves driving increased climate concern
· Energy companies blamed for high bills
· Just 17% of Hunter residents polled oppose the shift to clean energy
Some 30% of Hunter locals are more concerned about climate change than they were a year ago, a new poll has revealed, as a local farmer says sustainability is “just good farm management”.
The polling of 302 Hunter residents was part of a broader poll of 1,965 residents across key renewable energy zones, with the polling completed on March 20. The research firm, 89 Degrees East, is a member of The Research Society of Australia. Farmers for Climate Action has released the poll as it aims to make sure regional voices are heard.
FCA CEO Verity Morgan-Schmidt said the data showed 30% of Hunter residents polled had become more concerned about climate change in the past year.
“30% of those polled in the Hunter have become more concerned about climate change in the past 12 months. Bushfires (77%), heatwaves (75%) and floods (68%) were the top answers when Hunter residents were asked what had made them more concerned about climate change,” Ms Morgan-Schmidt said.
“Fifty-six per cent of Hunter 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 15% said clean energy was responsible.
“Some 69% of Hunter residents name solar as the “significant” energy source for the future, while 43% nominate onshore wind, 42% say offshore wind, 40% pumped hydro, with gas and coal equal at 30%, and nuclear last at 22%.”
“The data showed a striking gap between real and perceived support for clean energy. Support for clean energy in the Hunter remains strong at 60%, with 17% opposed, and 23% neither supporting nor opposing. Yet, only 40% 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.”
Macka’s Pastoral Director Robert Mackenzie , in Gloucester, Hunter Valley, said sustainability was “just good farm management”.
“As a farmer in the region, our focus is simply on running a more efficient and resilient business,” Mr Mackenzie said.
“We’re improving soil health, animal performance and energy use, with a clear focus on reducing our footprint, delivering benefits for both the business and the environment. For us, sustainability isn’t a statement, it’s just good farm management.”
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