Despite a growing crisis of confidence in Australia's energy transition, new insights reveal a surprising willingness among citizens to engage and be engaged. This sentiment is particularly evident in communities directly affected by renewable energy initiatives, contrary to national trends.
The SEC Newgate Mood of the Nation report from February indicates a slight decline in enthusiasm for renewables across the country, including rooftop solar and hydro, compared to September 2023. Interestingly, support for fossil fuels and nuclear energy has seen a rise.
However, Camilla Hamilton, Head of Engagement at Cogency, argues that these national statistics may not accurately reflect the sentiments of communities where renewable projects are being proposed.
"When discussing renewables, it's crucial to remember that the conversation often revolves around specific townships or clusters," Hamilton explains. "Many people feel their voices won't be heard, and they're unsure where their input can make a difference."
Indeed, SEC Newgate's data also shows that residents in regional areas, including Coalition voters, generally believe the energy transition is progressing too slowly and maintain a positive outlook on the whole process.
The Dyer report from 2024 highlights a "material distrust" of developers, but surveys consistently demonstrate strong support for renewable energy in regional communities, as evidenced by a November poll.
Community consultations primarily address concerns ranging from insurance implications to clarifying the differences between large batteries and those in drills or scooters.
Current fears revolve around bushfires and the perceived lack of information at each stage, issues that Hamilton addresses by walking people through the planning processes.
"Helping people understand the early stages of a project and the various technical, social, and commercial considerations involved can alleviate fears and encourage more rational engagement," she says.
Hamilton acknowledges the challenge of addressing deeply entrenched beliefs about renewables based on misinformation or disinformation.
"At this point, people are often not motivated to change their opinions. What's more intriguing is observing the trends in misinformation and disinformation, especially as activists shift their focus from health impacts of wind farms to the contamination of agricultural land and 'forever' chemicals like PFAS."
The proliferation of solar, wind, and battery projects already integrated into the grid serves as a powerful counterargument.
"Being able to offer communities a tour of existing battery installations, for example, helps alleviate fears and provides a tangible understanding of these technologies," Hamilton explains.
Hamilton's role extends beyond informing; it's about actively listening and repairing relations with regional communities, which is now the top priority for organizations like VicGrid and the Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner.
"My goal is to help communities understand the processes and genuinely listen to their concerns, relaying them back to our planners to influence project design. It's about setting expectations and establishing a positive tone for future projects," she says.
This involves delving into documentation and news stories to assess previous developers' commitments and transparency and evaluating how well projects were explained.
Hamilton is particularly enthusiastic about innovative approaches, such as the "coffee date" idea, where she meets with community members over a coffee to discuss projects, offering a more "realistic" view of community concerns and sentiments.
"It's a wonderful way to connect with the community, understand their vibe, and ensure we're meeting their needs and expectations," she adds.
