HOBART, TAS — Most residents in Tasmania’s regional areas advocate for enhanced phone and internet services and new transportation options. However, opinions vary on the development of local energy infrastructure. These findings emerge from the SEC Newgate’s Mood of the Bush report, which analyzed responses from an online survey of 202 regional Tasmanians between June 23-28.
The survey revealed robust support for advancements in regional Tasmania, notably in telecommunications and transport infrastructure, with 88% and 78% approval, respectively.
The report highlights a notable service gap in Tasmania compared to Australia’s metropolitan areas, particularly in road quality, rail infrastructure, rental availability, and job opportunities.
Furthermore, incentives to attract essential workers like teachers, nurses, and doctors to regional areas received considerable endorsement from survey participants, with 79% in favor.
The attitude towards renewable energy in Tasmania’s rural and remote areas is more positive compared to other regions in Australia. About 68% of Tasmanian respondents positively view the shift towards renewable energy, exceeding the national average of 57%.
Regarding the pace of renewable energy adoption, only 11% of Tasmanians believe it is happening too rapidly, while 53% think it’s progressing too slowly.
Regarding government targets on carbon emissions, Tasmanians show strong support: 67% back the Albanese government’s goal of a 43% reduction by 2030, and 64% are in favor of achieving net zero by 2050, reflecting higher levels of support than the national average.
