Local support for renewable energy

Mirror
Wednesday 15/11/2006, Page: 9

THERE is strong support for renewable energy in South Gippsland.

So say the results of a public poll on renewable energy conducted in October by Gippsland Friends of Future Generations.

"The results conclusively demonstrate South Gippslanders support renewable energy in this region, particularly solar and wind energy," said Foster's Blair Donaldson, a member of Friends of Future Generations.

He said that in order to achieve as random a sample as possible, people were interviewed on the street, with a total of 227 people in Foster, Toora, Meeniyan, Leongatha, Wonthaggi and Grantville filling in the survey.

"The results mirror those of the recent Lowy Institute and A.C. Nielson polls," said Mr Donaldson.

According to the FoFG poll, 93 per cent of people believe Australia should reduce greenhouse gas emissions, 91 per cent believe we should increase our use of renewable energy, 67 per cent believe wind is an effective energy source, 63 per cent say wind energy can help combat global warming and 56 per cent believe wind farms are appropriate in this area as opposed to 22 per cent against. Fifty per cent thought the Toora wind farm was visually good or very good and only 15 per cent disliked the look of the wind farm.

"Despite the often negative media coverage, the misleading statements of some councillors, local politicians and the Prom Coast/Tarwin Guardians, the majority of people in this region are content to see additional wind energy developments here," concluded Mr Donaldson.

"Fifty-six per cent wanted an additional two or more wind farms constructed here, 21 per cent opposed additional wind farms and 23 per cent chose not to respond." He said he believed that no levels of government were keeping up with public sentiment on the matter of renewable energy and its development.

"It's time local councillors and politicians listened to the majority, not a noisy minority," said Mr Donaldson.