CLEAN and green energy is high on voters priorities.

A new poll of over 1000 NSW voters in regional, rural and metropolitan NSW reveals that a strong majority believe NSW’s future economic prosperity lies in clean industries (60%), including renewable energy exports (e.g. green hydrogen), critical minerals such as lithium and cobalt, and manufacturing renewable products.

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Notably, only one fifth of voters in NSW (21%) believe future prosperity lies in coal and gas.

New South Wales and Queensland dominate the Australian coal export sector, and New South Wales is home to the world’s largest coal port in Newcastle.

Tomago is home to some new battery initiatives which fit the clean energy bill.

Yet two-thirds say clean jobs in renewable energy will be the best source of future employment (68%).

Only 19% in NSW back fossil fuels as the best source of future jobs.

The survey, commissioned by the Climate Council and conducted by YouGov, also found that: 6 in 10 say the government’s top investment priority should be in renewables (62%) ahead of 15% for coal and 17% for gas; 64% agree further cuts to carbon emissions will deliver economic benefits to workers and 66% say further cuts will benefit businesses; 6 in 10 respondents agree that regional areas will benefit most from the global transformation to renewables (61%); only 2 in 10 believe workers that currently rely on fossil fuels are getting enough support to prepare for a future with less coal and gas (21%).

Leading economist and a Councillor for the Climate Council Nicki Hutley said, “This polling reveals that the people of NSW know the era of coal and gas is coming to a close as the world decarbonises.

“They strongly support investment in new, clean industries to future-proof jobs and secure our economic prosperity.

“The historical coal and gas heartlands have a huge opportunity to grasp the economic rewards of the global transformation, and the people see this.

“Significantly, voters recognise that further cuts to carbon emissions – critical if we are to keep global warming in check – will increase jobs and lift economic growth.

“They also say the regions will benefit the most.

“However, there is a strong view that there needs to be better support from government for communities that currently rely on fossil fuels in order for them to adjust to the changes.

“The Federal Government should pay attention to this public groundswell of support for clean industries and, and commit to credible carbon cuts this critical decade.

“The Government can play a huge role in helping NSW harness its immense natural advantages and put it on a path to becoming a clean industry and renewables superpower.”

Dr Amanda Cahill, CEO of The Next Economy, a not for profit that works with business, local government and the community to manage the transition from fossil fuels to clean new industries, said, “There are so many opportunities for regional areas and they’re crying out for support from government to help them diversify their economies.

“This poll reaffirms what I’ve been hearing on the ground.

“Workers, businesses and investors are ready to take advantage of the opportunities in the new economy, but they need the government to back them in with clear targets, regional development funding and planning support.

“The countries we export to are already on the road to net zero emissions and we have a choice – help them do it or lose out on those new export opportunities.”

By Marian SAMPSON