Regional Energy Transitions in Australia: From Impossible to Possible is out now. Join us at one of the many launches happening across the country from 5 March 2025
It’s time for an honest conversation on the state of the energy transition, the remaining challenges, and what regions need to manage impacts and capture long-term benefits.
Australia is at a critical juncture in the energy transition. Once deemed impossible, the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy is now well underway. For the transition to be just and sustainable, it is vital that regional communities, those at the forefront of change, are listened to.
The newly released book, Regional Energy Transitions in Australia: From Impossible to Possible, provides an in-depth look at the challenges and successes of energy transitions in five key Australian coal regions: Port Augusta, the Latrobe Valley, Collie, the Hunter Valley, and Central Queensland.
With insights from over 20 contributors—including government officials, academics, industry experts, and community leaders—this book is an essential read for anyone invested in Australia’s energy future. It was co-edited by Dr Gareth Edwards, Professor John Wiseman, and Dr. Amanda Cahill, CEO of The Next Economy.
Attend a book launch event near you
Join us at the major book launch event in Melbourne to hear first-hand from local book contributors, practitioners and policy makers about the lessons learned over the past decade of Australia’s energy transition.
📅 Date: Wednesday, 5 March, 5pm – 7pm AEDT
📍 Location: Forum 3, Melbourne Connect, 700 Swanston St, Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia
🌍 Host: Melbourne Climate Futures with The Next Economy
🎟 Tickets: Get tickets here
🎤 Speakers: An honest conversation chaired by Professor John Wiseman alongside fellow book editors Dr Gareth Edwards and Dr Amanda Cahill, Sharan Burrow (Former General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation) and Dan Musil (Book contributor and Secretary, Earthworker Cooperative).
Latrobe Valley, Victoria:
📅 Date: Tuesday 11 March, 6pm – 7.30pm AEDT
📍 Location: Morwell Innovation Centre, 1 Monash Way, Morwell
🎟 Tickets: Get tickets here
🎤 Speakers: An honest conversation with Dan Musil (Latrobe Valley chapter contributor), Chris Buckingham (CEO, Latrobe Valley Authority), Josie Hess (Environment Victoria, award-winning filmmaker) and Jeffrey Jacquet (Global Director, Global Coal Transitions Research Network).
Hunter Valley, New South Wales
📅 Date: Wednesday, 12th March, 6pm – 7.45pm AEDT
📍 Location: NUspace, The University of Newcastle (Room TBC), Newcastle
🌍 Host: Institute for Regional Futures
🎟 Tickets: Get tickets here
🎤 Speakers: An honest conversation with Amanda Cahill (book editor and CEO of The Next Economy), Associate Professor Liam Phelan (book contributor, University of Newcastle), Warrick Jordan (book contributor and Policy Specialist, the Australian Climate and Biodiversity Foundation), and Professor Kate Senior (Acting Director, the Institute for Regional Futures).
Sydney, New South Wales
📅 Date: Thursday, 13th March, 5pm – 6pm AEDT
📍 Location: Seminar Room 203, RD Watt Building, Camperdown
🌍 Host: Sydney Environment Institute with The Next Economy
🎟 Tickets: Get tickets here
🎤 Speakers: An honest conversation chaired by Professor Susan Park (Professor of Global Governance, University of Sydney), with Dr Gareth Edwards (book editor, Visiting Associate Professor, University of East Anglia), Kimberley Crofts (book contributor, Researcher and Service Designer), and Dr Elianor Gerrard (book contributor, Institute for Sustainable Futures).
Brisbane, Queensland
📅 Date: Tuesday, 1st April, 5.15pm – 6.30pm AEST
📍 Location: Room 0M08 (enter via lift in Atrium), UQ City, 308 Queen Street
🎟 Tickets: Registrations opening soon.
🎤 Speakers: An honest conversation with Trevour Gauld (Deputy Commissioner of Jobs and Skills Australia), Dr Amanda Cahill (book editor and CEO of The Next Economy), and others to be announced.
More events coming soon
Canberra, Gladstone and Collie events to be announced soon.
What you’ll learn from the book
Regional Energy Transitions in Australia captures vital insights from communities that have navigated the transition away from fossil fuels over the past decade. It shows that:
- All energy transitions are local. They must be shaped by the histories, cultures, and needs of the communities most affected.
- Justice is key. A just transition means supporting workers and communities, including through re-employment, retraining, and early retirement options.
- Leadership and coordination matters. Strong governance, inclusive participation, and long-term policy stability are essential.
Regional case studies
Five coal regions featured in the book offer a powerful story about energy transitions in practice:
- Port Augusta, SA tells a story of community optimism and renewable investment tempered by inadequate support by state and federal governments.
- The Latrobe Valley, VIC grappled with unplanned coal-fired power station closures and built resilience through rapid community and government collaboration.
- Collie, WA provides a powerful example of inclusive participation in transition planning, championed by First Nations Elders.
- The Hunter Valley, NSW has shown the importance of local coalitions working together to put community needs on the agenda during a complex regional economic transition.
- Gladstone, Central QLD demonstrates the importance of inclusive and locally driven engagement to shift from fossil fuels to renewable industries.
Praise for the book
“This collection presents a unique set of insights into how energy transition can be achieved at the regional level.” — Prof. Frank Jotzo, ANU
“From ‘impossible to possible’ is a testament to hope and tenacity. The lessons learned from these regions demonstrate that the support of and co-creation with workers and community, along with government support, make the difference.” — Sharan Burrow, Former General Secretary, International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC)
Get your copy
Purchase Regional Energy Transitions in Australia: From Impossible to Possible now via Routledge.
📖 Order here: Routledge or Amazon.
🎟 Use the code 25AFLY1 for a 20% discount on hard copies via Routledge.
🛒 Available soon in paperback and electronic formats.
Stay connected
Don’t miss out on upcoming events and insights!
- Follow us on LinkedIn
- Contact us to request a speaker
Join the conversation and be part of Australia’s just and sustainable energy transition.
About the editors
Dr Gareth A.S. Edwards
Dr Edwards is Visiting Associate Professor at the University of East Anglia and Visiting Fellow at the Sydney Environment Institute. His research focuses on environmental governance, climate justice, and the socio-political dimensions of environmental change.
Professor John Wiseman
Professor Wiseman is a Professorial Fellow at the University of Melbourne’s Climate and Energy College and Chair of The Next Economy. He has extensive experience in public policy research, particularly in the areas of climate change, sustainability transitions, and social justice.
Dr Amanda Cahill
Dr Cahill is the CEO of The Next Economy, supporting communities in building resilient and sustainable economies. She has worked across Australia and internationally on projects related to economic development, energy transition, and social change.