March 5 2025: Reimagining Diversity in Clean EnergyCareers launches today.
The rapid expansion of clean energy development is driving demand for hundreds of thousands of workers with diverse skills but right now many of those roles remain unfilled.
This shortfall presents an opportunity. The Next Economy’s Reimagining Diversity in Clean Energy Careers report shows that by removing barriers to workforce participation for people from marginalised groups and communities, Australia can achieve a faster and fairer energy transition.
It finds that fostering greater diversity and inclusion in the clean energy workforce can improve outcomes for individuals and communities, all while generating benefits for businesses and regional economies and helping Australia meet its renewable energy targets.
Fostering greater diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the workforce can improve outcomes for individuals and communities, as well as generate benefits for businesses and the economy.
The task is significant, but there are practical actions that can be taken to remove barriers to participation and build a workforce that delivers a faster, fairer and more inclusive transition to net zero.
The report outlines several opportunity areas to help drive this change:
Foster a thriving workforce development ecosystem: connecting diverse stakeholders, creating the conditions for collaboration while supporting marginalised individuals and regional economies
Strengthen inclusive career development pathways: providing equitable access and opportunities for all learners and workers
Create supportive and inclusive workplaces: ensuring employees from diverse backgrounds feel welcome, valued and supported at work
The report shows these opportunity areas work best when underpinned by a core principle of putting people at the centre of all workforce development efforts.
Stakeholders from different sectors across Gladstone have set directions for their future and are working together to manage the net zero transition. Pictured here is a representative of the Queensland Department of State Development and Infrastructure, explaining the history of Gladstone’s industrial transitions to visiting philanthropists and investors. Source: The Next Economy / William Debois.
Developed through research, interviews and workshops and drawing on insights from The Next Economy’s work with regional communities at the frontline of the energy transition, the Reimagining Diversity in Clean EnergyCareers report is a resource to support stakeholders take a broader view of what diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace can look like. It highlights actions that leads to workforce development in the clean energy sector that benefit everyone.
Curious to learn more about the report? We’ll be hosting a briefing session in April 2025. Register your interest to be notified of upcoming dates by filling out this form:
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
Gladstone, Central Queensland – Date change to 7 May 2025
📅 Date: Wednesday 7 May 5pm – 7pm AEST 📍 Location: Rex Metcalfe Theatre, Leo Zussino Building (Building 3), CQUniversity, Gladstone Campus 🎟 Tickets: Get tickets here
🎤 Speakers: An honest conversation with Mayor Matt Burnett (Mayor of Gladstone Regional Council), Dr Amanda Cahill (book editor and CEO of The Next Economy), Kristy Marks, Economic Development Manager for Gladstone Regional Council and Craig Jones (Chief Financial Officer at Alpha HPA).
Recent events
Melbourne, Victoria
📅 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: Get tickets here
🎤 Speakers: An honest conversation with Trevor Gauld (Deputy Commissioner of Jobs and Skills Australia), Dr Amanda Cahill (book editor and CEO of The Next Economy), Liz Young (Research Director of the Queensland Decarbonisation Hub at Centre for Policy Futures, UQ), and Carly Quinn (General Manager People and Strategy at Gladstone Regional Council).
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
📅 Date: Thursday, 10th April, 5pm – 7pm AEST 📍 Location: Law Link Theatre, Fellows Lane, Australian National University, Canberra 🎟 Tickets: Get tickets here
🎤 Speakers: An honest conversation hosted by Professor Frank Jotzo with David Shankey (CEO of Net Zero Economy Authority), Dr Amanda Cahill (co-editor and author, CEO of The Next Economy), Associate Professor Bec Colvin (researcher on energy transition at ANU), and Jo Evans (former Deputy Secretary of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water).
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.
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.
Have you ever wondered how inclusive the clean energy workforce is – or could be?
Australia is now firmly in the implementation phase of the energy transition, with more and more employment opportunities in the clean energy workforce. In fact, nearly half a million workers are projected to be needed to reach Australia’s 2030 renewable energy target alone.
The Next Economy is working with a range of stakeholders to explore how to expand the renewable energy workforce to include people who often face systemic barriers to employment. Specifically, in regions with growing demands for workers in clean energy.
The Inclusive Clean Energy Workforce (ICEW) project aims to ignite discussion about how we can work together to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion.
Our current discussion paper captures pivotal themes and insights drawn from a desktop review of literature and interviews with stakeholders across the clean energy sector, social services and employment sectors.
In mid-July 2024, we’re hosting a range of workshops to get feedback on this initial piece of work and to dive deeper into opportunities and practical strategies to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion in the clean energy workforce.
Opportunities and insights will be captured and shared in a series of sector resources and webinars in the second half of 2024.
Early findings and key points:
Every Australian deserves access to the benefits of clean energy development, including new and existing jobs required for the workforce
The current clean energy sector can improve on diversity, equity and inclusion despite already outperforming other energy sectors including coal and gas
Greater diversity, equity and inclusion not only improves outcomes for individuals, but also can for companies, communities, the sector and the economy
From access to training and education to workplace culture characteristics, there are several systemic, cultural and broader factors and barriers marginalised groups face accessing jobs in the clean energy workforce
Working together, stakeholders from industry, education and training, and civil society can enhance diversity, equity and inclusion in the clean energy workforce
If you’re interested in finding out more, or want to share your insights with us, please contact Jacqui Bell.
Partner with us! An exciting opportunity for one rural or regional community
The transformation of Australia’s energy system is underway, with regional communities playing a crucial role in hosting renewable energy and infrastructure projects. For communities to benefit and actively participate in this transformation, several challenges must first be addressed.
Striking a New Deal (SaND) is a new initiative working directly with community leaders and key stakeholders to drive better outcomes from the development of renewable and infrastructure projects in our regions.
We’re providing resources and support to one community partner for a whole year
SaND will partner with one rural or regional body – a local council, association or organisation – to help your community drive better social and economic outcomes from energy projects in your area.
Whether projects are yet to start, or right in the thick of it, we want to help you work with your community to build the capacity, find points of alignment and develop resources you need to advocate for your immediate and long-term needs.
The one-year program, from August 2024 to August 2025, will be co-designed by you depending on your needs, and the needs of your community. Community benefits can include:
We get it’s not easy to navigate the arrival of renewable energy and negotiate better outcomes for your community. And, from housing shortages to divisions between residents to impacts to nature, there could be multiple important issues to unpack along the way. Let’s work it out together, your way!
What’s the selection process and project timeline?
Submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) form online by 19 July 2024(the earlier the better!).
On receipt of EOI, eligible hosts will be formally invited to apply by 26 July 2024.
Short-listed applicants will be interviewed in early August 2024.
The project will run to August 2025.
Who is eligible to host the project?
We welcome applications from potential partners in any Australian rural or regional community with renewable energy or infrastructure projects planned or underway in your area.
Strong ties to your community
Capacity to actively participate in a year-long process
An interest in addressing issues and maximising benefits from renewable or infrastructure projects in your community
What are the expectations and costs for the host council, organisation or association?
SaND will cover key costs associated with delivering the program, including:
Our time and expertise
Access to a national network of community leaders and experts
Basic costs of community engagement activities, including venue hire and catering
Engagement with industry and government and communication of project outcomes
The host will need a dedicated contact within their organisation to:
Work with us to design a program specific to their community
Provide links to key stakeholders and organisations within the region
Support the organisation of community workshops and meetings
Champion actions developed through the process
We estimate a two to three hour per week commitment from the contact over the 12-month period, with more time-intensive periods during engagement activities.
What are the benefits of hosting?
Hosting the project offers many benefits for you and your community. This includes:
Support and assistance to plan for and manage for projects in your region
Learn and apply key insights from across Australia to your region
Join a network of regional communities working towards best practices and positive outcomes nationwide.
How does this relate to other community engagement processes occurring in our region?
This project takes a regional approach and works with community groups within a region to: understand each other’s diverse perspectives, to recognise the challenges and identify the opportunities.
This work is important preparation for informed, constructive and productive participation in other community engagement processes occuring in the region and also in negotiations.
By taking a regional approach, this work is place-based, strategic and practical, and is applicable to individual renewable project engagements through to broader REZ or Statewide engagements.
Connect: A national network of regional leaders managing the rollout of large-scale renewables will share knowledge, experience and inform the development of a national, place-based approach adaptable for other communities.
Partner: For one year, we will support a selected regional or rural community partner with the resources, capacity and expertise to drive better outcomes from local projects.
Inform: With our community leaders, we will share our insights with industry and state and federal government to help inform future practices and policies.
Between February and June 2023, The Next Economy explored a range of perspectives among Latrobe Valley community leaders with regards to the energy transition.
The project involved hosting a series of interviews and workshops that engaged 31 community members, including First Nations people and young people, people from the multicultural community, grassroots environment groups, small businesses and the social service sector.
The report makes visible the wealth of experiences, insights and knowledge that exists in communities across the region and demonstrates how the local community can be a valuable partner in working towards good transition outcomes for the Latrobe Valley region.
The main project finding is that community members see a range of potential benefits from the energy transition, beyond job creation and Australia’s national decarbonisation agenda. If managed well, the transition could provide opportunities to transform the systems that underpin society, the regional economy, and people’s relationship with the local environment.
The key themes presented in the report are:
Socio-economic disadvantage, equity issues and liveability
Community Participation
Institutional capacity and good governance
Environmental protection, remediation and rehabilitation
First Nations leadership
New energy development
Regional economic development
Workforce development
To find out more, download a copy of the What Next? Community Perspectives on the Energy Transition in the Latrobe Valley.
Communities in Australia’s coal and gas heartlands say they need greater federal support and policy to mange the energy transition and make the most of economic opportunities.
Have your say in online survey about ‘Energising the Future Economy of the Gladstone Region’.
Locals across the Gladstone Region are invited to participate in an online survey to share their thoughts on the future changes to the energy sector and how the region can take advantage of emerging changes to generate new economic opportunities.
The survey content has been generated following a series of in-depth community and industry forums involving people from across the region.
Acting Gladstone Region Mayor Kahn Goodluck says Council would like to know if other residents share these views.
“Council recognises that the unfolding changes in the energy sector pose both challenges and opportunities for the Gladstone Region and people working in industry,” Councillor Goodluck said.
“This online survey is part of our joint initiative with The Next Economy – Energising the Gladstone Region Future Economy.
“Feedback from community, government, industry and other stakeholder groups will guide us on what is required to adapt to a changing energy sector and to support our region over the next 10 years.”
We worked with the Queensland government’s Just Transitions Group to develop transition related policies and programs, including the Energy Transition Roadshow (in Rockhampton, Gladstone, Townsville and Cairns) funded by the Queensland Government in 2019/20. The TNE team brought together all levels of government, industry, unions, universities, environment and community groups together to explore how the energy transition was impacting on regions and how it could generate new economic opportunities.
We worked with Stanwell in the development of their corporate strategy, which has led to the company not only integrating transition planning into their five-year strategy but has also led to the development of a workforce and community engagement plan to enable the company to start talking about the inevitability of transition out of coal.
In the wake of the 2019 Federal Election, TNE was able to share the findings of previous transition strategy workshops undertaken in the Hunter Valley and Queensland to challenge the divisive rhetoric that all of regional Australia (especially Queensland) was actively opposed to and in denial of the energy transition. The results from the workshops were used in a widely-shared Guardian article written by CEO Amanda Cahill, that showed that many people were starting to accept that the transition is inevitable, and that there were a number of economic challenges across regional Australia that was exacerbating fear, uncertainty and division.
This article caught the attention of the Deputy Premier of Queensland, who was concerned about the growing division across the State. At the invitation of the Deputy Premier, Amanda participated in a community forum, where she challenged the government’s view that they should avoid talking about transition. Subsequent meetings led to Amanda convincing the State Government to fund the Energy Transitions Roadshow.
The Central Queensland Energy Futures Summit was a gathering of over 140 stakeholders, in Gladstone in April 2021, representing local and state government, energy companies and regulators, industrial sectors, unions, education and training institutions, Traditional Owners and environmental groups.
Amanda Cahill speaks at the summit
The Summit was hosted by The Next Economy and would not have been possible without the generous support of the sponsors Stanwell, CleanCo, Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF), CQUniversity and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC).
This report by The Next Economy summarises the activities over the two days and the key messages that came out of audience participation.
The Next Economy has trained over 300 people working in environment, climate and social service organisations on how to work effectively with regional communities. This has included members of:
In recognition of the importance of the food and agriculture sector and its impact on the resilience of Queensland’s iconic Great Barrier Reef, Sustainable Table (funded by the Morris Family Foundation) commissioned The Next Economy to undertake the Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday Reef Resilience Project. The project has three broad objectives, which are to:
Provide a deeper understanding of current challenges and enablers for the food, agriculture and land use transition in the Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday region;
Establish a range of priorities to inform the Sustainable Table Fund (formerly Ripe for Change); and
