Australia is currently navigating a fundamental transformation of its energy system, shifting from a fossil fuel past toward a renewable future. Our regional communities are at the frontline of this change, hosting the infrastructure, resources and workforce that will determine our national success.
Our In Brief: Investing in regions, unlocking the transition series offers financial decision-makers across government, investment and philanthropy a high-level entry point into regional investment and its role in Australia’s transition to a climate-safe, regenerative and socially just economy.
The series grew from an investor experience in Gladstone in 2024 and has since expanded – in geography and subject matter – drawing on work across regional Australia, desktop research and expert contributions.
Each brief provides a bird’s-eye view of a focus area, including key barriers and where support is most needed. Current topics include:
- Decarbonising and increasing the capacity of the grid
- Developing green export industries
- Regional investor insights from Gladstone
These briefs are a starting point – designed to spark conversation, build shared understanding and support deeper discovery. Because these topics are interconnected, effective progress requires a whole-of-system approach and close coordination across sectors.
As this space evolves rapidly, we welcome your feedback to keep the series current and useful.
Decarbonising and increasing the capacity of the grid
Australia’s electricity power system or “grid” is the vast transmission and distribution network that transports electricity from generators to consumers. Right now it is undergoing a fundamental transformation from its fossil fuel origins toward a renewable future.
Regional investor insights from Gladstone
Industrial regions are central to Australia’s net zero ambitions. They host the resources, infrastructure and workforce that will determine whether the energy transition succeeds. Gladstone, an industrial heartland with exposure to emissions-intensive and trade-exposed industries, is on the frontline of the global energy transition.
Developing green export industries
The global shift to net zero emissions is the defining economic and industrial transition for Australia this century. While the value of Australia’s emissions-intensive exports will decline with global demand for fossil fuel, the global energy transition also creates enormous potential for new industrial growth. Early and coordinated investment can position Australia as a leading global supplier of green commodities and advanced manufacturing components.