Recent Senate inquiry hearings have highlighted the impact of misinformation on local energy projects across NSW. Community members shared experiences of projects being blocked or delayed, threats to personal safety, and confusion caused by conflicting information about renewable energy initiatives. Examples included community batteries and other local energy projects where miscommunication or council delays created space for misinformation to spread.
Hunter Jobs Alliance coordinator Justin Page said the closures of coal-fired power stations mean people need reliable guidance on alternatives. “People didn’t trust the government or the proponents, and that lack of information created space for mis- and disinformation to thrive,” he said. The Alliance supports initiatives like RE-Alliance’s local energy hubs to provide communities with clear, trusted information as the region transitions to new energy sources.