SOLAR TRUMPS THEM ALL: NEW POLL FINDS OVERWHELMING SUPPORT
Almost three-quarters of Australians think our nation should put more emphasis on producing domestic energy from solar power, according to an Essential Poll released today.
The new poll found that 71% of people think Australia should put more emphasis on solar power ahead of all other forms of electricity generation.
Solar Citizens National Director Claire O’Rourke said people overwhelmingly want more solar and renewable energy and are sick of it being used as a political football.
“The debate about the transition of our energy system to clean forms of electricity is stuck in the mud with the Abbott Government attacking solar and slashing the Renewable Energy Target,” Ms O’Rourke said today.
“There’s a huge disconnect between what people want and what our political leaders are managing to achieve, which is a disappointment to most Australians who want to see clean energy power our nation.
“Australia has some of the best available sunshine in the world, placing us in prime position for generating our own solar and renewable energy on a mass scale.
“Almost seven times as many people want Australia to place more emphasis on solar power for meeting the nation’s energy needs than on coal - solar is streets ahead of all other sources when it comes to public opinion,” she said.
“But the vested interests of the big power companies and their special treatment by government are holding back lower power prices for all Australians, cleaner power, more diverse energy security, millions in investment and more jobs.
“There’s no reason we can’t become a solar powerhouse that exports our expertise and technology to global markets.
“Last week the International Renewable Energy Agency released a new report showing there are now more than 7.7 million people employed by the renewable energy industry, worldwide.
“Australia should stake its claim in this growing global industry and its new century jobs, which is why we’re calling on all our political leaders to Stand Up For Solar,” she said.
Claire O’Rourke available for interview.
Media contact: Jane Garcia 0434 489 533
See the Stand Up For Solar campaign:
http://www.standupforsolar.org.au/
