Facebook community groups and maggot-infested rats: the inner workings of Australia’s climate misinformation war

The notion – despite evidence to the contrary – that electricity bills are rising because of net zero targets has been grist to the anti-renewables mill for years. Photograph: Tim Phillips Photos/Getty Images

Plans for a community battery in Narrabri had been going well – there was a $500,000 federal government grant, the shire council had agreed on a site and it had the necessary approvals to start building.

The battery project – in a council car park – was proposed by local not-for-profit Geni.Energy, with the idea to soak up solar energy during the day for use later.