New independent research has revealed a strong groundswell of community support in the Illawarra region for Australia's transition to renewable energy sources. The findings indicate a clear public mandate for both small-scale household initiatives and larger industrial projects.
Overwhelming Community Backing for Renewables
The poll, conducted by the independent research firm 89 Degrees East, found that 69 per cent of Illawarra respondents support a shift to renewable energy. In contrast, only 12 per cent of those surveyed expressed opposition to the move. The study formed part of a larger national survey of more than 4,700 Australians, which included 450 participants specifically from the Illawarra area.
Residents displayed particularly strong conviction that the energy transition would benefit the nation as a whole. A significant 78 per cent of local respondents believe there is a pressing need for a mix of both small-scale solutions, like rooftop solar and household batteries, and large-scale projects such as solar and wind farms.
Local Advocacy Group Sees Validation in Results
Madeleine Holme, coordinator of the local community organisation Good for the Gong, said the group was encouraged but not surprised by the polling data. "It kind of accords with the conversation that we've had in the community," Ms Holme stated.
"We're really pleased to see that this community, the Illawarra, overwhelmingly backs the transition to renewable energy, and there's support for both the household level but also for large-scale renewable energy projects," she added.
Ms Holme also highlighted the community's desire for government investment to ensure the benefits of clean energy extend beyond individual households. "There's also overwhelming support for government investment, to ensure that it's not just households benefiting but also the local manufacturing industry is able to access clean, affordable, renewable energy."
Illawarra Outpaces National Renewable Energy Zones in Support
The polling data revealed an interesting comparative trend. When measured against Australians living in designated Renewable Energy Zones (REZs), the Illawarra region demonstrated a higher level of support for green energy projects. Support in REZs averaged 62 per cent, compared to the Illawarra's 69 per cent.
Ms Holme connected this strong local support to the region's industrial heritage and future aspirations. "I think people are proud, as we should be, of the Illawarra's long history of making things here," she reflected.
"The Illawarra is kind of empowering the rest of the state, for a really long time that's been part of our history... People are proud of that history and also really focused on ensuring that it's sustainable into the future. We want to have those good jobs in those industries here, and ensuring that they can have clean, affordable, renewable power is the way to do that."
The poll, commissioned by Renew Australia for All, also asked respondents to rate their perceptions of different types of large-scale energy infrastructure. While the survey covered potentially controversial technologies like offshore wind, the specific Illawarra breakdown for these topics was not immediately available in the released data.
The research, concluded in December 2025, provides a significant snapshot of community sentiment as Australia continues to navigate its complex energy future, highlighting the Illawarra as a region ready to embrace sustainable change.
