The Morrison Government should abandon plans for a new gas-fired power station at Kurri Kurri after polling showed most voters, including those in federal electorates in the Hunter Valley, opposed the development of new fossil fuel projects.
The YouGov poll of more than 15,000 voters commissioned by the Australian Conservation Foundation and published on Monday found 68% in NSW opposed the construction of new coal and gas plants. [1]
Even electorates with significant coal industries — Hunter, Lyne and Patterson in the Hunter Valley and Calare in the Central West, which covers the coal-producing regions of Lithgow and Mudgee — said the federal government should do more to address climate change.
“This polling shows how utterly out of step the Morrison government is with community sentiment on this critical issue,” Nature Conservation Council Chief Executive Chris Gambian said.
“In light of these results, Mr Morrison should abandon the polluting gas-fired power plant he wants built at Kurri Kurri in the Hunter Valley.
“The Morrison government has no mandate to continue propping up this dirty, dangerous industry with taxpayers’ money.
“The $600 million he plans to squander on this project would be much better spent on battery storage.
“The people are crying out for meaningful action to cut our pollution, which means setting credible carbon targets and developing robust strategies to achieve them.
“The only thing holding the Coalition back on climate action is its ties to the fossil fuel industry.”
YOUGOV SURVEY: SUMMARY OF RESULTS FOR NSW
At the next federal election, how important to your vote is action on climate change from the major parties?
67% Important to my vote
33% Not important to my vote
Do you believe the federal government needs to do more or is doing enough to address climate change?
65% Needs to do more / much more
35% Already enough / too much
Should Australia reach net zero emissions before 2050, by 2050, or not set a target?
40% Should reach net zero before 2050
32% Should reach net zero by 2050
28% Too fast/no target
Should Australia cut emissions by 2030 and by how much?
60% Cut emissions in 50-75% by 2030
40% Stick with current commitment (by 26-28%)
To meet Australia’s energy needs, should new gas or coal-fired power stations be built?
32% support new coal and or gas plants
68% do not support new coal and gas plants
References
[1] https://www.acf.org.au/aust-biggest-climate-poll