A survey conducted by consultants 89 Degrees East of almost 2000 residents living in Renewable Energy Zones across NSW, Victoria and Queensland found nearly one in three respondents, about 32 per cent, were more worried about climate change than they were a year ago.
Bushfires, heatwaves and floods were nominated as the main drivers of concern.
Despite ongoing political debate around renewables, the poll revealed strong backing for a transition to clean energy.
Almost two-thirds of respondents (63 per cent) supported the shift, while only 17 per cent were opposed.
Solar was identified as a key energy source of the future by 67 per cent of those surveyed, followed by onshore wind (43 per cent), offshore wind (41 per cent) and pumped hydro (39 per cent).
Support for coal and gas lagged at 29 per cent, while nuclear recorded notably lower support at 24 per cent, particularly in regions such as the Hunter, Illawarra and Gippsland.
When asked about rising power prices, half of respondents blamed energy company profiteering.
Coal plant breakdowns and international events were also cited as contributing factors, while just 16 per cent believed clean energy was responsible for higher costs.
Farmers for Climate Action chief executive officer Verity Morgan-Schmidt said the findings highlighted a disconnect between perception and reality in regional communities.
“The data shows a striking gap between real and perceived support for clean energy in the regions,” Ms Morgan-Schmidt said.
“Many people who support the shift to clean energy don’t realise they are part of a quiet majority.”
Warracknabeal cropping farmer Phil Koschitzke said the impacts of climate change were already being felt on the land and would only intensify for future generations.
“I’ve been farming here for 30 years and I’ve had 28 years of below-average rainfall,” Mr Koschitzke said.
“If this is a result of something we’re doing, then we’re in deep trouble.
“I’m not so much pro-renewable energy, I’m just anti-stuffing the world up.
“We’re making a mess of this, and our kids are going to have to deal with it.”
