News & Events

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.

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. 

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.

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.

Navigating the land sector in 2026

Jacqui Bell leads The Next Economy’s land sector work. In this Q&A, she shares her reflections on a pivotal year for agriculture and land use change, how climate risk, investment and policy began to converge in 2025, and what this means for building fair, resilient and regenerative landbased economies.

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. 

What does ‘good’ look like for our regions in 2026? 

2025 brought with it a rush of policy announcements.  Here at The Next Economy, we’re reflecting on what we’ve learnt through our work with regions and how they can continue to manage change well in 2026 and beyond. 

Walking Together: Building Indigenous Business in Northern Australia

A new report by Esparq Ventures, co-authored with The Next Economy. Esparq Ventures is working with Indigenous entrepreneurs across northern Australia to grow successful businesses grounded in culture, community and self-determination.

Walking Together: A conversation with Darryl French-Majid, CEO of Esparq Ventures

Esparq Ventures is helping Indigenous entrepreneurs in northern Australia turn ideas into businesses that create jobs and strengthen communities. Its founder, Darryl French-Majid, reflects on the journey, the challenges, and what success means for them.