A group sitting around table discussing maps as part of the Hay and Carrathool shire workshops in April 2024

Regional communities are vital to Australia’s net zero transition. From new industrial infrastructure to workforce and population change, regions are bearing the brunt of change.

Significant change brings great risks and opportunities. Australia can set the standards that will address the challenges of the net zero transition in ways that transform our economy for the better.

The Next Economy works with communities, industries, and governments to build broad support for the transition and expand the boundaries of what Australians can imagine and achieve during the transition to net zero. 

The Next Economy has the experience, relationships, and understanding of regional economic resilience to support the creation of the next economy that works for everyone.

Latest News & Events

Projects
Resources

28 May 2026

Building the economy we could have: Predistribution

Australia used to do fairly well in terms of predistribution. To build the better economy we could have in Australia, we need to go back to a focus on building a fairer economy by design.

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Projects
Regions
Reports

27 May 2026

South West Queensland launches economic blueprint for future

South West Queensland is thinking differently about future opportunities and how they participate in a future economy, launching a Future Economy Strategy.

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Resources

18 May 2026

Investing in regions to unlock the transition

Australia’s regions are the engine rooms of our economy. As the world shifts toward net zero, we are exploring how coordinated investment and local leadership can unlock a prosperous, green future for all Australians.

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News
Projects
Resources

12 May 2026

New series: ‘Building the economy we could have’

Drawn from case studies, explainers, interviews and on-the-ground experience, our new series explores what it looks like to build an economy that works for people and planet - not as an abstract idea, but as something already taking shape.

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Impacts and achievements

Since 2018, The Next Economy has partnered with regions holding the key to Australia’s transition to net zero emissions.

We have helped create the conditions for systems-level change by demonstrating how it is possible to manage change in ways that strengthen social, economic and environmental outcomes.

We have supported leaders across government, industry and community organisations to manage the impacts of the transition to net zero and a changing climate.

By sharing what we learn, we have supported evidence-based decision making and encouraged broader public support. Together, this has helped build momentum for a rapid, responsible and fair transition.