Almost 30% of Hunter residents are more concerned about climate change than they were a year ago, according to a recent poll.
At least 302 locals were part of last month’s broader survey, which totalled 1,965 people across key renewable energy zones.
Conducted by 89 Degrees East, a member of The Research Society of Australia, the data was released this week by Farmers for Climate Action to ensure regional voices are being heard.
“Not surprisingly, 30% of those polled in the Hunter have become more concerned about climate change in the past 12 months,” CEO Verity Morgan-Schmidt said.
“Bushfires (77%), heatwaves (75%) and floods (68%) were the top answers when residents revealed their biggest worries.
“And, 56% of them blame energy company profiteering as the main reason for high bills.
“Others named global price spikes and coal power station breakdowns.
“Just 15% said clean energy was responsible.
“Some 69% also name solar as the ‘significant’ energy source for the future, while 43% nominated onshore wind, 42% offshore wind, 40% pumped hydro, with gas and coal equal at 30%, and nuclear last at 22%.
“The information showed a striking gap between real and perceived support for clean energy.
“That remains strong at 60% in the Hunter, 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.”
Gloucester’s Robert Mackenzie, from Macka’s Pastoral, 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,” he stated.
“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.”
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