Most Queenslanders believe the state needs to quickly bring more renewable energy online, according to a poll.

The Demos Au survey of more than 2,000 Queensland residents, commissioned by the Conservation Council and conducted between August 1 and 7, found 57 per cent agree more renewables are needed to prevent energy supply shortfalls and lower the price of power.

“The results show clear majority of Queenslanders support maintaining the existing targets, or raising them, with only three out of 10 voters believing the targets should be lower or should not exist at all,” Director, Head of Research at Demos Au George Hasanakos says.

The polling also found 57 per cent of Queenslanders agree the current renewable energy targets of 70 per cent by 2032 and 80 per cent by 2035 should be maintained to encourage investment in clean energy, with 52 per cent saying the targets will help establish new clean manufacturing industries.

Supporters of renewable energy have, not surprisingly, welcomed the findings.

Queensland Conservation Council’s renewable energy campaigner Stephanie Gray says the current winter heatwave provides a “terrifying” glimpse into the state’s future as climate change intensifies, and is also a sign that energy usage will increase.

 “This polling proves Queenslanders understand that energy policy certainty is vital for encouraging investment, slashing power bills, and unlocking new local manufacturing industries,” Ms Gray said.

Smart Energy Council Chief Executive John Grimes said the findings back the introduction of more solar and batteries in Queensland homes.

“Supporting people to make the switch to renewable energy shouldn’t be a political issue, it’s an economic issue,” he said.

“Australia’s renewable energy businesses need certainty so they can continue employing the workforce that’s powering the state into the future.”

Queensland is currently powered by almost 30 per cent renewable energy.

What the poll found:

• 57 per cent agree Queensland needs to bring more renewables online quickly to prevent supply shortfalls and bring down power prices, including 53 per of regional Queenslanders 
• 54 per cent support Queensland’s current renewable energy targets or think they should be set higher, with 14 per cent unsure. Support for renewable energy targets is higher among 18-25 years olds at 95 per cent, compared to three quarters of the over 54s
• More regional Queenslanders support the current renewable energy targets or think they should be set higher (49 per cent) compared to those that think they should be lower or non-existent (36 per cent).
• 57 per cent agree current renewable energy targets should be maintained to encourage investment in clean energy
• 52 per cent agree that maintaining the current renewable energy targets will help establish new clean manufacturing industries in Queensland, with 49 per cent of regional Queenslanders also agreeing

Fifty-four per cent of respondents want the opposition LNP to support the state’s legislated renewable energy targets.

 The LNP voted against legislating the renewable energy targets and does not currently have an energy plan despite public support for clean and cheap energy as indicated by the poll, the Conservation Council says.

The release of the report comes ahead of an election assembly hosted by the Queensland Community Alliance on September 3, where both the Premier Steven Miles and opposition leader David Crisafulli will be asked to outline their plans to accelerate the state’s renewable energy transition.

Queenslanders will vote in the state election on October 26.

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