If Labor opposes the re-instatement of native forest wood waste in the Renewable Energy Target (RET) it could cost them any chance in the four non-metro seats of Tasmania at the next Federal election, according to a snap ReachTEL poll.
The poll in the seats of Bass, Braddon, Franklin and Lyons, found an overwhelming majority of voters (67%) supported or strongly supported the re-inclusion of wood waste in the RET.
Across the four electorates 62.5% of those in support were Labor voters.
A third of Labor voters told pollsters they would actually change their vote at the next election to a candidate who supported the inclusion of native forest wood waste in the RET.
The Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) Chief Executive Officer Mr Ross Hampton said, “This poll clearly shows most voters in these key federal seats which, in a tight race, could easily decide the next Government are on the renewable side of this debate. What’s more, these voters believe in this issue strongly enough to indicate they will vote accordingly. Whilst ALP has indicated its current unease with the issue, we hope it will listen to its constituents. The use of offcuts and residues from sustainable native forestry harvesting and sawmilling operations was accepted by the Labor Party from 2007- 2010 and there is no reason it cannot be again.”
26.05.2015 Tas voters tell Federal Labor; “reinstate wood waste in RET”