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‘Extremely effective’ organised campaigns against wind and solar undermining support for renewable energy

By: Graham Readfearn Environment and climate correspondent

29 July 2026 at 16:00

Clean Energy Council calls for a national, legislated scheme to funnel benefits of hosting renewables projects back to local councils

Organised campaigns against wind and solar energy have proved “extremely effective” in undermining community support for renewable energy but enthusiasm for electric vehicles has jumped after Donald Trump’s attack on Iran, according to a detailed snapshot of Australian attitudes to the clean energy transition.

The survey found levels of “deep support” for clean technologies were highest for home batteries and rooftop solar and also improving for major infrastructure projects such as transmission lines, which have been a target for critics of renewables.

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Locals fear for their children’s quality of life if the biggest coalmine extension in NSW is approved

The Guardian - Energy

By: Lisa Cox Climate and environment correspondent

25 July 2026 at 21:00

Minns government promised no new coalmines but permits expanding existing sites, despite being behind on climate targets

At Branxton community hall in the New South Wales Hunter Valley last week, local resident Janet Murray was given five minutes to speak about plans for the state’s biggest coalmine extension.

Before her were dozens of people, also there to share their views about whether the 19-year extension proposed by Hunter Valley Operations (HVO) should be allowed to proceed.