A new poll indicates close to two-thirds of Australians (64%) would be more likely to vote for a party with plans to source 100 per cent of Australia’s energy from renewables.
The Reachtel poll of 2,400 Australians also indicates 56.1 per cent would be more likely to vote for a party with a policy to phase out coal-fired power stations.
The poll follows others strongly suggesting policies on renewable energy will be vote-shifters in Federal Election 2016.
“The transition to 100 per cent clean, renewable power is happening now – without strong policies that support an orderly transition Australia will miss out on our $800 billion slice of the global renewables investment boom,” said Claire O’Rourke, National Director, Solar Citizens.
” Australians are already voting with their feet, with 1.5 million households experiencing the benefits of clean energy, and we’re confident that people will express their support for solar and renewable energy at the ballot box.”
The poll was carried out on behalf of a coalition of environmental groups who are working in 25 seats. These include the Prime Minister’s seat of Wentworth, which reportedly ranks second last in Australia for solar power uptake.
The coalition of groups includes the Australian Conservation Foundation, Environment Victoria, 350.org and Greenpeace.
“From the thousands of conversations we’ve been having, voters in key Victorian seats like Deakin and Dunkley are absolutely ready for the next Australian government to begin phasing out coal burning power stations and embrace a renewable energy future,” said Mark Wakeham, CEO, Environment Victoria.
” It’s time both major parties caught up with where the community is at.”
Other groups are also making separate efforts to ensure politicians are very aware that solid solar policies equal votes include the Australian Solar Council, which recently launched a marginal seats campaign.
Another poll commissioned by Solar Citizens earlier this year indicated 63% of Australians would be more likely to vote for party with a policy that would see solar panels are installed on every suitable home and building across the nation. That poll also found 60% would vote for a policy supporting the purchase of energy storage systems.
