The North West Alliance and Lock the Gate have released the results of door-to-door surveys in Narrabri showing an overwhelming majority of people in favour of renewable energy compared to less than a third that want CSG.
The door-knocking took place from July to September, knocking on 2,300 doors and collecting survey responses from 840 people.
The results of the survey show overwhelming positivity in Narrabri towards renewable energy and considerable concern about coal seam gas:
- Asked if they support renewable energy as a way to provide long-term jobs for Narrabri 97% of people answered “yes!”
- Asked if they were in favour of the proposed 850 well coal seam gasfield in the Pilliga, only 28% of people said they were in favour
- More than half, 52%, of people surveyed were opposed to the gasfield and 20% were unsure
- 55% of the people surveyed said they were very or somewhat concerned about the gasfield and only 24% said they were not concerned
Sally Hunter, Narrabri farmer and member of People for the Plains said:
“It was so worthwhile to speak to the people of Narrabri about their attitudes to renewable energy and coal seam gas and discover the town is far more excited by renewables than CSG.
“We’re excited too: we want the jobs and prosperity that renewable energy can bring Narrabri without the pollution and water depletion that CSG will bring."
Jane Judd, Lock the Gate North West regional coordinator said:
“A report commissioned by Lock the Gate earlier this year revealed that the huge renewable energy potential of Narrabri Shire can create more numerous and more lasting jobs than CSG offers, without sucking up huge volumes of water and risking serious environmental harm.
“Though this is just a snapshot, we think our survey results indicate that Narrabri people want jobs, but not at the expense of the water that is the lifeblood of our region. Luckily for all of us, we don’t have to choose between one or the other: we can stop the Narrabri gasfield and embrace the jobs that renewable energy can bring.”