A new survey shows that 70 per cent of Australians living in Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) support clean energy projects on farmland, challenging perceptions of rural resistance to the energy transition.
The poll, conducted by 89 Degrees East for Farmers for Climate Action, surveyed 1001 residents across key renewable energy regions, uncovering a surprisingly strong appetite for sustainable energy development.
According to Farmers for Climate Action, many don’t realise they’re part of a quiet majority supporting the energy shift. Only 17 per cent of respondents opposed clean energy projects, with the remainder either supportive or undecided.
A total of 73 per cent of those connected to farming backed local clean energy initiatives in the REZs, and 71 per cent believe farmers should have the right to host renewable energy projects on their land.
Key motivations include potential additional income for farmers, more reliable local energy supplies, and economic investment in rural communities.
However, support isn’t unconditional.
Respondents emphasised the importance of community consultation, environmental protection, and direct benefits.
Notably, 75 per cent of those polled want clean energy operators to provide energy bill bonuses to local households and businesses, demonstrating a desire for tangible community returns.
Farmers for Climate Action CEO Natalie Collard highlighted the findings, which showed more than two-thirds support and 17 per cent opposition to local clean energy.
She noted that these results align with a recent Porter Novelli regional poll and the CSIRO survey of over 6000 people.
Similar trends were also seen in Renewable Energy Zone polling by RE-Alliance and the recent NSW council elections.
“The data shows the quiet majority of rural Australia is clearly in favour of clean energy projects locally, although many don’t realise they’re part of the quiet majority,” Collard said.
“Those who don’t support clean energy and those who do have a lot in common – they express the same valid concerns.
“Regional Australia is clearly asking the government to hold developers to account as they aim to build clean energy projects. Those polled clearly ask for the government to take charge on decommissioning, even though the vast majority of clean energy contracts already require the operator to decommission the project, and this means decommissioning would be covered by insurance should a company go broke.
“Just 30 per cent of REZ residents realised farmers do well from renewable energy. With farmers being offered more than $40,000 per turbine per year and $1500 per hectare per year for solar, while they continue to farm cattle around the turbines and sheep under the solar, it’s very good, drought proof money.”
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