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

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Regions
Resources

10 April 2026

Our evidence to the NSW REZ inquiry: lessons from the ground 

Energy lead Saideh Kent appeared before an NSW parliamentary inquiry on the impacts of renewable energy zones on rural and regional communities, reflecting on her evidence and what she hopes comes next.

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News
Projects

9 April 2026

Building the economy we could have: insights from Progress 2026   

Our Economic Change lead, Dr Katherine Trebeck, and Josh Devine from Regen Melbourne, hosted a workshop at Progress2026 on going upstream for this economic transformation. Progress is the largest social justice conference in Australia, with over 1500 people attending the conference as guests and140 speakers from across the world running 60 sessions on how to win the change we need for people and planet. Here are some highlights from the event.

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News

7 April 2026

What freight decarbonisation means for regional Australia

Land Sector Program Lead Jacqui Bell ponders what freight decarbonisation means for regional Australia off the back of a commercial vehicle decarbonisation summit at Parliament House.

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News
Regions

28 January 2026

Navigating the energy transition in 2026 

Saideh Kent leads The Next Economy’s energy work. In this Q&A she shares her thoughts on what shaped the transition in 2025, how communities are responding, and what lessons can be learned for the year ahead. 

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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.