A new study has revealed that two-thirds of Australians support clean energy projects, challenging the belief that those in regional areas oppose the energy transition.
The data from Winds of Change: Regional Australians’ Real Views on Renewables, conducted by communications firm Porter Novelli Australia and market research firm Quantum Market Research, shows that most Australians are optimistic and prepared for a clean energy future, with 59 per cent recognising the positive impacts renewable projects will have on their community.
In addition to environmental benefits, there is anticipation of lower energy bills, job creation and local economic growth.
However, the report found that the support for renewable projects is not well understood in the community, with the belief that 49 per cent of regional people favour renewable energy projects, despite the true level of support being 66 per cent.
The research also found that a high proportion of people believe debunked disinformation, such as the idea that offshore wind farms harm whales.
The data revealed that 43 per cent of Australians are unaware of renewable energy projects in their state or region, and that one in five (16 per cent) don’t know about any renewable projects at all, despite the hundreds of projects underway across Australia.
Porter Novelli’s Chief Executive Officer, Rhys Ryan, said that the key to a smoother transition towards net zero was effective early engagement with rural communities.
“Porter Novelli has spent years working alongside regional Australia across agribusiness, public health, for government initiatives and launching renewable energy projects. Recently, we’ve grown increasingly frustrated by the oversimplified view that regional Australians are against renewables,” Mr Ryan said.
“People oppose developments in every city all the time. Demanding to be consulted about what is happening in our own communities is not the same as ideological opposition to a low-carbon future.”
Mr Ryan said that as Porter Novelli supports renewable energy companies and regional communities through the energy transition, the company wanted to uncover how more projects could be switched on – not with costly conflict, but with genuine benefits for everyone involved.
“Real facts are essential to guide this process, which is why we teamed up with Quantum Market Research to conduct this study.”
Porter Novelli’s Managing Partner and Agribusiness Lead, Patrick McClelland, said communication with regional communities must be flexible, localised and must address their unique concerns.
“We often see renewable companies try to provide community benefits without effectively engaging communities. This often leads to outcomes that fall short of good intentions.”
Mr McClelland said focusing on shared values like economic opportunity, drought-proofing and sustainability will foster deeper support for renewable projects.
“By genuinely involving locals in the planning process, we can ensure that renewable projects meet operational targets, while enhancing the wellbeing of communities surrounding them.”
The full report can be found here.
