COAL & GAS are out – Lots of Questions on NUCLEAR – RENEWABLES for the Win!

Under a scorching sun, we welcomed new JCU students at their market day, sparking plenty of interesting conversations about the energy transition. It’s clear this is a contentious topic, making friendly, open discussions more important than ever.

We were pleasantly surprised that most students don’t see a future in coal and gas. However, there was strong curiosity about nuclear energy - often without a full understanding of its environmental impacts or how it fits into climate targets. Many were also surprised to learn about Townsville’s past uranium mining activity and its detrimental effects.

Renewables were another hot topic, with questions about their lifespan, potential risks to bats and birds, and existing recycling schemes. Some participants wondered whether we’ll always rely on coal and gas, but Australia is already on track to reach 80% renewable energy by 2030.
We’re keen to keep these conversations going! What excites you about the future of energy? What concerns do you have? We’re here to listen, share insights, and answer your questions.

📍 Join us at Cotters Market on Sunday, 23rd – see you there!