Voices from the regions

The policy debate around energy and climate is saturated with myths about what is or isn’t politically feasible.

Blueprint Institute’s latest polling project, Voices from the Regions, puts these myths under the microscope. The poll, conducted by YouGov, gauges the opinions of nine regional communities with strong connections to coal. Eight currently house our coal-fired generators and mines, and one recently lost their last coal asset. It asks for their opinions on the shifts in the energy landscape, government climate and energy policy, and the recommendations of our latest report, From the ground up: A Blueprint for economic diversification in regional Australia. 

The results are striking. The majority of Australians in regions connected to coal favour increased climate action and more investment in renewables and green hydrogen. They overwhelmingly support seizing the exciting new job opportunities that a changing energy mix offers.

The regions polled speak with a clear voice—a voice which rejects the tired tropes which so often characterise communities connected with coal. Our findings challenge the assumptions that justify the reluctance of regional representatives to support bolder climate and energy policy. 

Do most people in these regions support new renewable investment even at the expense of fossil fuel subsidies? Yes. Do they reject carbon pricing as a means of achieving efficient emissions reduction? No. Are most in these regions reluctant to support immediate and significant emissions reduction targets? Not at all—they demand them. And do they believe a promising future can exist for their community with industries other than coal? Absolutely.

Clear signposts exist for policymaking to be both economically rational, environmentally responsible, job-creating, and immensely popular in coal-power and mining communities. We hope this is a useful chapter in a much larger conversation about how Australia’s national climate strategy can spur jobs and inspire support in our regions.