Poll: Queenslanders Support Renewable Energy Over Coal
29 April 2020 Poll: Queenslanders Support Renewable Energy Over Coal
A new poll of more than 1000 Queenslanders has found overwhelming support for the State to invest in renewable energy.
The QDOS Research poll, commissioned by Solar Citizens, found that 78 per cent of respondents would be more likely to support the Queensland Government spending on renewable energy generation than on new coal-fired power, and 62 per cent of people agree the Government should develop a plan to gradually transition and generate all electricity from clean sources like solar and wind.
Climate Change was a major concern, with 70 per cent of those polled saying they were concerned about climate change in Queensland.
“These results show that Queenslanders are concerned about the threat of climate change and support more government investment in clean energy solutions. The Government should listen to these concerns and pave the way for more renewable energy jobs and investment,” said Ellen Roberts, Solar Citizens’ National Director.
These polling results come as state and federal politicians debate the need and viability of a new coal-fired power station in North Queensland.
The Federal Government has provided $4 million for a feasibility study into a new coal-fired power station in Collinsville, despite the Queensland Energy Minister, Anthony Lynham, expressing deep concern over the project.
“Building a new coal-fired power station in Queensland would require extensive government subsidies and it’s clear that the majority of Queenslanders don’t support the idea,” Ms Roberts said.
“Queensland Opposition Leader, Deb Frecklington, is staying silent on the issue, but 65 per cent of LNP voters polled said they support spending on renewable energy ahead of coal-fired power.”
Further results showed that 22 per cent of people surveyed were unsure who they’d vote for when Queensland heads to the polls in October. A majority of those who were unsure of their voting intention rated a negative association with coal-fired power and coal mining.
“Queenslanders clearly support more investment in clean energy projects and if governments take action now it will boost the struggling economy,” said Ms Roberts.
“Renewables can unlock the energy trifecta for Queenslanders: lower bills, less pollution and more regional employment.
“We can utilise our impressive solar and wind resources to produce an abundance of cheap electricity and help revive Australian manufacturing.”
[ENDS]
Media contacts: Ellen Roberts 0408 583 694
Overview of polling results
An online survey of a random selection of n=1,045 Queensland residents was conducted. The survey was conducted between 20-23 March, 2020. Of those surveyed, 49% were male and 51% were female.
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When asked who they intend to vote for in the Queensland state election, 29 per cent said the LNP, 27 per cent Labor, 9 per cent the Greens, 7 per cent One Nation, 1 per cent Bob Katter’s Australia party, 4 per cent another party or independent, and 22 per cent said they were unsure.
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78 per cent of respondents said they would be more likely to support using public funds to ‘build more renewable energy generation like wind and solar’ over building ‘more coal fired power stations’ (22 per cent).
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62 per cent of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that ‘the Queensland government should develop a plan to gradually move away from polluting energy and generate all our electricity from clean sources like wind and solar’.
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Only 18 per cent of respondents disagreed or strongly disagreed that burning coal causes climate change.
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70 per cent of respondents rated their concern of climate change between 6-10 on a scale where 0 is not concerned at all and 10 is extremely concerned.
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66 per cent of respondents rated Labor as the first or second best party at supporting renewable energy, whereas only 47 per cent rated the LNP in the same way.
