Beautiful, remote and running on diesel: The Daintree's power struggle
They left the city for a paradise. Now Daintree residents are asking how long they can afford to stay.
In the heart of the Daintree Rainforest, Tamara Scenna discovers a serene haven beneath its towering canopy. The rainforest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers respite from city life, but the residents face a modern challenge - powering their homes and businesses. The Scennas, who traded Sydney for the rainforest, rely on a hybrid energy system, but their solar panels can only power a third of their operations, with diesel generators covering the rest.
Bruno Scenna laments the impracticality of installing enough solar panels to replace diesel, citing the cost and environmental impact. A proposed solar-based microgrid project received funding in 2022 but was withdrawn in 2024, leaving the Daintree residents without a renewable energy solution. Many, like café owner Lawrence Mason and ice cream business owner Betty Hinton, rely on diesel generators, with costs soaring due to fluctuating fuel prices.
As the ageing population in the Daintree faces increasing difficulties accessing mains power, the question of whether to remain in this pristine environment or leave for a more convenient life looms large.
Written by urgent.news from SBS News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
