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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7 May 2026

Hay’s Economic Transition Roadmap is here -why this more than just a plan  

The Hay Economic Transition Roadmap is live – and for a region on the edge of economic transformation, this plan puts the community in the driver’s seat.

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Reports

30 April 2026

Empowering Hay: A community-led transition roadmap

The Hay Region Economic Transition Roadmap demonstrate how regional Australian communities can shape their own economic futures. The Next Economy has been proud to partner with the Hay Shire Council and the local community to develop a sequenced, practical pathway for economic growth. 

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Regions
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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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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.