Mission Zero: 16 residents from regional Queensland speak out on climate change and YouGov poll results
From Mackay to the South Burnett, it is the everyday people of regional Queensland who could be most impacted, and play the biggest part, in the transition to clean energy. Here’s what they had to say about the push toward net zero.
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A nationwide YouGov poll commissioned by NewsCorp have revealed Australians don’t think the economy will suffer as the world moves towards a net zero economy and that we should continue to export coal as long as there is global demand.
The poll of 2421 respondents found a large majority of adults in all states – an average of 58 per cent nationally – said Australia should switch to 100 per cent renewable energy such as solar, wind and hydro by 2050.
A third (33pc) said Australia should continue to use some non-renewable sources such as coal and gas, with Queenslanders the most pro-fossil fuel on 38 per cent and Tasmanians the least on 25 per cent.
The results come as this publication launches Mission Zero, an editorial series examining the pathways Australia can take to reaching the global target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
But it is the people living in regional communities such as Mackay, Rockhampton, Gladstone, the Fraser Coast, Gympie, Kingaroy, Dalby and the Sunshine Coast that could be most impacted, and play the biggest part, in the transition.
We asked everyday people in these communities the question: Do you want action on climate change, and what impact do you think it will have on our economy?
Here’s what they had to say.
Sarah Murrell, South Mackay
“It’s a difficult question. I definitely don’t think there’s enough being done, but I think taxing certain groups of people is not going to change that. It’s a way bigger problem than just in Queensland, or Australia, it’s a worldwide issue. I don’t think increasing taxes is going to make much of a difference to help stop climate change.”
Alan Cotta, East Mackay
“There would be a bit of cost involved, they’d just have to use more LP gas, trying not to rely on coal power so much. Solar power is one thing, we’re trying to get our greenhouse emissions down and the only way we can do do that is by having zero emissions by 2050. It’s up to individuals, if not the future generation is not going to be around to see any of the Great Barrier Reef or any of this lovely country of ours.”
Alexander Green, Rockhampton
“I’m all for taking action on climate change, 100 per cent. I don’t know enough about the economy to really give an opinion on that, but I think taking action on climate change and committing to net zero is something that should definitely take priority. It’s something we can do now for the generations in the future. Not making a decision, not taking it seriously, I think would be a mistake.”
Dominic Johnson, Rockhampton
“I think yes, we should [take action on climate change]. [About the effect on the economy] I think that’ll just depend on how well it’s planned. So I think it could be done in a way that doesn’t affect it too negatively, but I don’t think it’s really happening that way at the moment. So I think it could go either way. Obviously more jobs will be created with the transition because it’s not like industries are disappearing and then there’s nothing to take its place. So I suppose support for those who would be losing jobs and the creation of new ones as well.”
Michael Eckert, 58, Gladstone
“I don’t think we need action on it because I have worked in the heavy industry here and we do a really good job of the emissions and that type of stuff. The government already has a good watchdog looking at it (climate change) and keeping an eye on it. Climate change will close businesses down, that’s the main thing. People will be out of work.”
Veronica Carter, 53, Gladstone
“I definitely believe there should be more action for climate change, but it really does need to be balanced with the private sector and them being able to implement what those changes are because we’ve already been at the effect of environmental stuff within our industry and the requirements are quite onerous for a business owner as well as quite expensive. There doesn’t seem to be any government support to help you transition into these type of climate actions as such so at the end of the day, a definite yes but more government support, more education, more funding and more help for business because it is business that’s going to drive it really, it’s business that is going to ultimately pay for it and that is then it is going to be the consumer who pays from there.”
Jo Venz, Yandina
“Yes, the climate is changing, the earth is changing. We are trying to work together but I think people are doing what they need to be doing at the moment. It’s just making things more difficult with farming fresh fruit and veggies.”
Carl Burroughs, Yandina
“Absolutely I do. I think it’s having a negative effect now but I think it is going to have a positive effect when we start investing in the right solutions.”
Colleen Austin, Fraser Coast
“I think immediate action on climate change is needed. If it's not affected now, the economy will struggle even more in the future when we're fighting rising seas.”
Matthew Walker, Fraser Coast
“Yes we need action on climate change. It will have a positive impact on our economy because it will create new jobs and opportunities and room in the market for new businesses to be developed.”
Jacqie Craig, Dalby
“It really depends if we have too much action on climate change and we cut down all of our fossil fuel energy. Because it will cause a lot people to relocate out of the area which I think will be bad. But if there's a way to make renewable energy sustainable for employment, I think it may be good.”
Sam Hawton, Dalby
“Action would be pretty good to reduce climate change, especially since the ice caps in the cold areas are melting at the moment and it's harming the animals. Small things to improve climate change in our community would be good.”
Lyndall Doring, Gympie
"I want a decision. If they make a decision on anything it'd be a change. Things are changing, everyone knows about it but the politicians."
Nolene Stark, Gympie
"It's definite we should do something... coming from the land we know the seasons are changing. As to the impact, I'll leave that to the politicians."
Trevor King, Brooklands
“I'm happy with what they're already doing and I think it'll have a little bit of an impact on the economy.”
Matt W, Kingaroy
“Hell yeah - I'm only 22, I want to see this place still be here in 50 years, and I want governments to do more. A lot of sustainable options are a lot cheaper - I don't think it will hurt the economy.”
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