A new survey is making waves in the energy debate, revealing a strong sentiment among Aussies: gas fracking is on the nose, and renewables are the way forward.
So, What’s the Deal with Fracking?
Fracking – short for hydraulic fracturing – is a technique used to crack open underground rock and extract natural gas. It involves blasting a mix of water, sand, and chemicals deep underground to release the gas trapped in the rock.
Sounds high-tech, but there’s a catch. That chemical cocktail? It can leak into groundwater, poison ecosystems, and potentially impact human health. Then there’s methane – a greenhouse gas with over 28 times the warming power of CO₂ – which can escape during the process. Not ideal for a country already battling climate extremes.
In Australia, fracking is allowed in parts of the Northern Territory, Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia, and South Australia. But it's banned outright in Victoria and on hold in Tasmania until at least 2030.
What Aussies Think About Fracking
Public Opinion on Fracking
Market Forces, a group keeping an eye on the environmental impact of finance, commissioned YouGov to survey nearly 1,900 Australians. The results are pretty clear: the majority are not sold on fracking.
- 65% – Harm to environment, water & farmland
- 56% – Most gas is exported, no clear benefit
- 51% – More problems than benefits for locals
It’s Not Just About the Environment
Aside from environmental concerns, a lot of Aussies are questioning the economic benefits of fracking. For instance:
- Just 38% think it’s needed to deal with gas shortages.
- Only 31% believe fracking would lower energy bills – and another 31% outright disagree.
The reality? Australia exports nearly 80% of its gas, and domestic demand is dropping. Meanwhile, renewable tech – especially battery storage – is getting cheaper, while gas prices are rising. More gas doesn’t equal cheaper power.
Banks and Super Funds – Take Note
35% of bank customers and 38% of super fund members would consider switching if their provider backed gas fracking projects.
Major banks and super funds are backing companies like APA Group and Empire Energy – big players in the controversial Beetaloo Basin project. But this support comes at a cost, with growing customer dissatisfaction threatening their reputations.
The Case for Renewables Is Growing Stronger
Renewables vs Gas Power
- Prefer Renewables + Battery 59%
- Neutral 18%
- Prefer Gas Power 23%
Australia’s energy future is already tilting towards solar, wind, and batteries. According to the Australian Energy Market Operator, gas will play only a backup role in the future grid. Big battery projects are booming, and the tech is fast outpacing gas in cost and performance.
And despite industry claims, gas isn’t necessarily cleaner than coal. Methane – which leaks from fracking – is up to 80 times more potent than CO₂ over a short timeframe.
Trust Issues
Trust in Industry Claims
The gas industry has poured millions into PR campaigns, but it hasn’t done much to win over the public. A large chunk of Australians simply don’t trust the spin anymore. There's a growing sense that the industry’s push to expand fracking just doesn’t align with the climate reality – or the public’s priorities.
Where to From Here?
The message from the public is loud and clear: fracking has lost its social licence in Australia. Whether it's concerns about the environment, energy prices, or trust, Aussies are turning their attention – and their support – towards renewables.
For banks and super funds, aligning with public sentiment might just be the smart move – not just for the planet, but for keeping their customers on side.
Article information source 1: Frack Off: Australians Favour Renewables Over More Gas Power
Article information source 2: Public opinion on gas fracking in Australia
