Attitudes towards Renewable Energy in the Wangaratta Region

Results of renewable energy conversations carried out by members of the Wangaratta Sustainability Network 2011.

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Key Findings
Support for renewable energy (RE) is high in the Wangaratta region, with 92% of people spoken to wanting the government to implement strong policy to support new jobs and investment in renewables. The vast majority of the 278 people that volunteers for the 100% renewable campaign in Wangaratta spoke to whilst door-knocking and street surveying were enthusiastic about the potential of RE to manage electricity prices, reduce pollution and act on climate change. These volunteers spoke personally with close to 1% of the electorates population, and not a single interviewee said that they didn't want to see renewable energy generation in the area. Rather, the overriding concerns expressed were that not enough money was being spent on renewables, that there was a lack of commitment from their elected representatives and that renewables weren't visible enough in their community. Further, many people were concerned that government support of renewable energy to date has been haphazard, changeable and inconsistent. These concerns were evident in the open section of the conversations, where participants were invited to send a message to Mrs. Sophie Mirabella, where many people asked for action on investment. Finally, talking to members of this electorate revealed the positivism surrounding renewable energy and showed that it provides an opportunity to promote the carbon tax. Concerns about carbon tax money 'going around in a circle' were alleviated by the idea of using this money to pay for investment in renewables and thereby bring down electricity prices in the long term.

As Andy from Wangaratta said Even if you dont believe in global warming there are so many other reasons to move towards renewable or John from Laceby There is so much technology and we are just not making use of it

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Renewable Energy in Wangaratta and surrounding Townships

Members of Wangaratta Sustainability Network have been door-knocking and street surveying in Wangaratta and surrounding townships from late 2010, having conversations with local residents in order to understand community attitudes towards renewable energy. Over a number of months these groups have been asking residents conversational questions relating to federal policy, electricity prices, taxing polluters and the role of big business in the renewables debate. They have also been listening to the opinions of residents in order to gain a more nuanced understanding of their attitudes. This report presents the findings of their almost 300 conversations. It quantifies the results of the outcomes of the conversations but also highlights some of the themes that have emerged in conversations with locals. The WSN is participating in the national 100% Renewable Energy Campaign, which advocates a fair go for renewables policy to be implemented alongside the carbon price policy in Australia. Over 90 local groups are involved in this national campaign, which resulted in14,000 conversations on renewable energy Australia wide. The findings of the these local conversations were submitted as part of a national report released in June.

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The Conversations
The door-knocking and street conversations followed a script that focused on six areas relating to renewable energy (RE). They are: Government support for the development of RE The creation of policy to support jobs and investment in RE The role of RE in helping to manage rising energy prices The feasibility of Australia moving to 100% energy generation from renewable sources Putting a price on pollution The government's relationship with companies that pollute Volunteers used the script to guide the conversation and respondents were typically asked to respond 'yes', 'no', 'don't know' or 'not sure' to allow the results to be quantified. Two of these eight questions allowed for the respondent to give their opinion or a personal message. The first asked why do you feel the government is / isn't doing enough to support the development of renewable energy? The second asked if you could send a message to your Federal and State MP on this issue, what would you say? These replies gave a more qualitative understanding of the issues surrounding RE. In gathering these responses we attempted to reach as wide a demographic as possible by choosing geographically disparate regions of the electorate to door-knock in. Our volunteers also had conversations at markets and busy shopping strips. The conversation questions are common to all groups participating in the 100% Renewable Energy Campaign conversations across Australia.

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Conversations Results
1. Quantitative Results
The results of the conversations show strong support for investment in renewable energy within the North East community. The findings can be summarised as follows: 75% of residents feel the government is not doing enough to support the development of RE 92 % think the government should be implementing strong policy to support new jobs and investment in RE 86 % agree that more RE should be introduced to help manage Australia's energy prices 82% of residents think Australia should develop a plan for 100% renewable energy 70 %agree that Australia should put a price on pollution 90% think that the government should invest in renewable energy

2. Qualitative Responses
Two of the questions in the conversations asked for an opinion or a personal message. The responses to these were recorded in full by the volunteers and capture a sense of the frustrations felt by the community at the lack of investment and action on renewables.

Question 1: Why do you feel the government is / isn't doing enough to support the development of renewable energy?

Money
Of the respondents who thought the government was not doing enough to support RE, many of them talked about 'investment,' 'money,' 'rebates' and 'incentives.' Many spoke of the withdrawal of the solar 'rebates' as an impediment to investment. The solar rebate has been reduced Not enough $ spent. Not enough incentives for alternative energy systems not enough money put into any scheme. They should offer loans to do solar

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A lack of commitment and action

A recurring theme amongst those who felt the government 'wasn't doing enough' on RE was that they lacked dedication to the idea. They havent supported research into solar technology. it is the way to go and its not taking off quickly enough Stop talking and do it! Have some vision and long term planning Still giving subsidies to fossil fuel and not nearly as much to sustainable energy. It doesnt seem to be a priority Having travelled in the Middle East and Europe and seen the extent of solar and wind Australia is disgraceful in comparison.

A lack of visibility
This was a surprising but seemingly obvious finding; many people felt the government wasn't doing much to support RE because they couldn't physically see any evidence of it in their community. Nothing is being done to promote renewables> I dont see anything happening.
Nothing

happens in the NE for renewable except what individuals are doing.

Emissions havent gone down in a sunny country there should be solar on every roof.

Question 2: If you could send a message to Sophie Mirabella on this issue, what would you say?

Get on with it and do it for our future

The messages given for Sophie Mirabella covered a wide range of topics, but contained a common thread of frustration at the pace of change and the need to do more now for our future and for future generations. There were many comments around the themes of listen to what the people are saying, there is urgency and we need to act now, look to what other countries are doing, and move away from fossil fuels. Why are we not doing a Germany? We have A1 solar potential

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I am 62 and quite scared for our future Our future depends on it show some leadership for our children. Invest for our kids, for our country, for our future NOW. We need to make sustainable energy happen ASAP - Its criminal to keep supporting non-renewable energy Address this issue now or future generations will pay the price. We need to look at long term issues and not be hindered by history become leaders in technology Why is Australia lagging behind? Act now as fossil fuels will run out eventually. Do it now. Too expensive/too hard is NOT an option Time to stop childish squabbling. Its embarrassing hearing our parliamentarians bickering and not having intelligent debates about what really matters.

Promote the carbon tax through renewables

Inevitably, many of the conversations that volunteers had with respondents were centred around the carbon tax. Many people expressed a sense of confusion and negativity, specifically with the idea of money 'going around in a circle' from taxing then reimbursing households. Some respondents commented that investment in renewables was a way of breaking this cycle and creating a clear benefit to the carbon tax. It was noted that electricity prices may go up under a carbon tax but that by offsetting this through cheaper renewables people save money and the net effect is carbon reduction and cheaper access to energy in the long term. I would support a price on pollution only if the $ went into renewable development. They should concentrate on renewable energy rather than compensation

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Summary of Findings
Support for renewable energy (RE) is high in The Wangaratta area, with 92% of people wanting the government to implement strong policy to support new jobs and investment in renewables. The people that we spoke to, whilst door-knocking and street surveying, were enthusiastic about the potential of RE to manage electricity prices and reduce pollution. Rather, the overriding concerns expressed were that not enough money was being spent on renewables, that there was a lack of commitment from their elected representatives and that renewables weren't visible enough in their community. This was echoed in the frustrations voiced directly to Sophie Mirabella where many people asked for action on investment. Finally, talking to residents revealed the positivism surrounding RE, and showed that it provides an opportunity to promote the carbon tax. Concerns about carbon tax money 'going around in a circle' were alleviated by the idea of using this money to pay for renewables and thereby bring down electricity prices.

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Appendix 1: Messages for Sophie Mirabella

During the conversation it was explained to residents that the results of the conversations were to be given to the local members of parliament, and asked if you could send them a message about this issue, what would you say? The replies from all who gave responses are included here. There is no hierarchical, chronological or geographical order to the way respondents are listed. Get it started now so that the next generation will follow thru and be leaders. We look to you for leadership in making carbon reductions as a matter of urgency Need to address climate change issues by implementing effective policies on renewables. We need to get serious about clean renewable energy now, not in 5 or 10 years. Global warming will not go away. We need to act now. Renewable energy will serve us well in many areas from rural life to space travel. Global warming is the race of our lives and needs addressing immediately. Enough floofing around. Enough political footballing. Get things moving. I am building a new house and am willing to create renewable energy to power my home. What are my incentives? Get your act together, get green! Having travelled in the Middle East and Europe and seen the extent of solar and wind Australia is disgraceful in comparison. We Australians need to be more aware of renewable energy and be a country of clean renewable energy and therefore promoting more jobs. You have two children they will be alive in the second half of this century if you want them to live in a fair sustainable world that respects other things apart from humans do something now. There should be a national feed-in tariff like Germany. Stop dragging your feet and get on with it. Do it before it is too late! We need to do this. Bring back subsidies to make it possible for people to put solar panels on their homes to feed in to the electric bank People are looking for leadership from Government in the implementation of renewable energy use. Need to start thinking about the future want our grandchildren to live in a sustainable world. Should be a priority on governments agendas. Get some renewable energy happening obviously better than taking coal out of the ground.

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Think and act for future generations not short term political gains Please encourage more renewable energy Do more on renewables. Support renewable and encourage recycling more. Need to think outside the box. Too expensive/too hard not and option Time to build regional renewable energy power stations; continue subsidies for those installing PVCs. Much more research and development shouldnt all be overseas. Raise subsidies for householders who invest in PVCs and other energy saving measures and build renewable energy power stations. Believe the science time to act is now. Get big businesses on board. Act now. The countries/worlds future is important. Nows the time. Sustainable self sufficiency. Use only renewable sources not coal, oil, gas. Big companies are not doing the right thing. Address this issue now or future generations will pay the price. We need action now for my grandchildrens world. Im a single mother who cannot afford higher prices. Act now Fossil fuels will run out eventually. We need to think about the future of our kids. If Germany can do it with long winters why havent Australians invested in the future? Why is Australia lagging behind? Relying on fossil fuels is irresponsible when renewable energy has less impact on environment. Even if you dont believe in global warming created by carbon pollution there are so many other reasons to move towards renewable. Why not? Focus on climate action and renewable energy as the science is proven. Have some vision and long term plan and certainty for people. I am disgusted with their lack of understanding and they dont seem to care. Control over solar providers and mark up. More incentives to encourage people to change, everyone should be looking at it. Stop talking and do it! Do something for pensioners. More wind and solar. Should be encouraging people to use alternative energy sources. Would like to be

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able to afford solar panels. Should be encouraging people to use alternative energy sources. Would like to be able to afford solar panels. We are lagging behind and need to move to renewable. Need to act now should have been on solar years ago. Critical that we make sustainable energy happen ASAP criminal that we keep supporting non renewable energy. Stop playing politics and start thinking about the people. We need to look at long term issues and not be hindered by histoy. Become leaders in technology. Spend money wisely not knee jerk like NE pipeline. Wake up and smell the roses. Put more resources into renewable and carbon tax wont be necessary. Very disappointed in Sophie and the Liberal Partys approach to renewable industry and to those that support renewable. Stand up to corporations. Energy incentives rather that set top boxes. Make a stand and become a strong world leader. Cant be complacent. Try to be a more responsible government without relying on everyone to give you monetary support. Concentrate on renewable energy rather than compensation Do it now. Australia says we are at forefront but let them look and learn from countries already doing something. Thanks for the questions help Australia. Invest when we are out of debt. The government should get out of the massive debt and then invest in clean energy. You should invest in green power because otherwise we will suffer in the future. Stop playing politics and deal with the facts Novel idea? I know. Just do it. Be supportive of new technologies and ideas. There needs to be a lot more discussion before money is spent on untested programs. Need to balance of energy needs between renewable and clean energy and fossil fuels. We come, we vote. Action needed now.

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Do your job. Support renewables. Pursue renewable energy in all forms. Ensure energy costs are accessible to all including those on limited income. Have the balls to make decisions. Country people care about resources and cant ignore that we have finite resources and care that pollution is a problem. We need an objective analysis of renewable energy. Get back into real world. Resign. Stop being a climate change denier. Alternative energy needs to be invested in. Manufacturing/business need to come on board. Get real the ship is heading toward a reef turn it around rather than focussing on trivialities. Think about the future. We have to be prepared to pay now or we will be squealing/whinging and pay a lot more later on. There is a cost for living in the kind of luxury in which we live. Now is the time to do this. Act sooner than later- regrets no. Create incentives to use alternative sources. More on new buildings. Support solar and geothermal. Big business and homes. People thought economies would fall over when we stopped slavery. What will we tell our grandchildren? Sack Sophie! Seems to be inconsistent government policies. Need to look at solution to pollutin that is not just financial possibly positive incentives. Future depends on efficiency and knowledge. Invest in the future not in the past. Start trying to change. We need to invest NOW stop being bullied by mining and big company power and invest for our kids, for our country, for our future now. Needs to be proactive and start caring for our planet. Need o make a move now as we are running out of fossil fuels, Our future depends on it - show some leadership in this. Be courageous. Vote according to the wealth of scientific data. Read research, use science and voices of individuals.

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Manage projects efficiently. Support renewable energy. Stop side stepping the issue renewable energy is clean green and sustainable. Stop playing politics and action the important issues Do some research on renewables. Keep supporting subsidies on renewables. Renewables top issue. Please listen. Wish Liberal Party would come on board. Get off your arse and so something. Should support renewable energy. Should support renewable energy go with the inevitable. More support for renewable and subsidies Should be doing more. Need to focus on issues not politics. Stand up for your electorate. People first party politics second. Subsidize affordable renewable energy. Funding needs to go into research into other sources of energy not just the ones we know about. Climate change is a huge problem so must go down the path of renewable. Move toward renewable energy. Make renewable more well known ie more publicity. Why is Victoria only giving a net return while all the other states are giving a gross and all of EU. We need to subsidise those who cant afford it. Need to put more resources into it and encouraging through rebates etc. Lets do it. Very hard to raise a family with the cost of power at the moment. In Italy lots of car parks are covered with solar panels creating shade and energy. We should do this. Accessibility needed e.g. understandable language. Every time I vote my top priority will be environment and it will decide my vote. Low income people need help with their electricity bills. In the long term this initiative is obviously worthwhile in view of the above. There does need to be greater communication of costs in comparison to existing costs to users. Do more for the environment.

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The government should be subsidising the poorer folks who cant afford to pay more for a renewable Australia. We should be looking into it. Its very important to refocus our energies and prioritise the issue of renewbles as first. Every option should be investigated. Embrace the whole thing wholeheartedly need a shift in how we do get our power need more people on greenpower. Think and act for future generations not short term political gains Please encourage more renewable energy Do more on renewables. Support renewable and encourage recycling more. Need to think outside the box. Too expensive/too hard not and option Time to build regional renewable energy power stations; continue subsidies for those installing PVCs. Much more research and development shouldnt all be overseas. Raise subsidies for householders who invest in PVCs and other energy saving measures and build renewable energy power stations. Believe the science time to act is now. Get big businesses on board. Act now. The countries/worlds future is important. Nows the time. Sustainable self sufficiency. Use only renewable sources not coal, oil, gas. Big companies are not doing the right thing. Address this issue now or future generations will pay the price. We need action now for my grandchildrens world. Im a single mother who cannot afford higher prices. Act now Fossil fuels will run out eventually. We need to think about the future of our kids. If Germany can do it with long winters why havent Australians invested in the future? Why is Australia lagging behind? Relying on fossil fuels is irresponsible when renewable energy has less impact on environment. Even if you dont believe in global warming created by carbon pollution there are so many other reasons to move towards renewable. Why not? Focus on climate action and renewable energy as the science is proven. Have some vision and long term plan and certainty for people. I am disgusted with their lack of understanding and they dont seem to care.

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Control over solar providers and mark up. More incentives to encourage people to change, everyone should be looking at it. Stop talking and do it! Do something for pensioners. More wind and solar More incentives for people to change. People who can afford it should be offered a carrot. We need the will, we can do it. I would like to be sustainable independently. Dont agree with drilling oil or coal anymore definitely need to shift away from fossil fuels and need to be more fuel efficient. Lift your game! Be prepared to listen. Get serious about renewable energy. Need to commit to reducing carbon emissions. We would like the environment to be preserved. Get more interested in renewable energy. Try and address the facts. Cut through bureaucracy. I dont know much about it but it is a good idea. More money for R &D for a range of sustainable energies. Give it a go. Start developing this now. Now is the time to start doing something not to leave it until later. Time to do as much as we can to get away from fossil fuels. Subsidies for people to make changes their own way. Use your initiative to use renewable energy. Move towards renewable energy. Need to be trusted in providing green schemes need reliable information, services and products. Long term project but future generations will benefit. Think about the energy cars use not what houses use. Please be proactive in moving towards renewable energy. Make it compulsory for every new house to have solar panels and solar hot water.

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