Work area: Land

20

Lessons from Uralla: Good renewable energy development

Uralla’s Renewable Energy Strategic Action Plan is here 

Two years of listening, testing and co-design have led to this: a practical plan for how NSW’s Uralla Shire can host large-scale renewable energy development on its own terms – protecting what the community values while sharing the benefits of the transition fairly. 

Uralla’s RESAP was developed by Uralla Shire Council with the community with in-kind support from The Next Economy, as part of the national Striking a New Deal (SaND) collaboration. 

Communities like Uralla in NSW are on the front line of Australia’s renewable energy transition – facing real opportunity alongside real disruption. 

Two years ago, Uralla Shire Council and its community set out to shape the impacts of the New England Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) with a practical, community-informed Renewable Energy Strategic Action Plan (RESAP). The result of that process was endorsed last month. 

As the New England Renewable Energy Zone develops around us, our region is entering a period of significant change. This will offer a once in a lifetime opportunity. However, how that change is managed will impact generations to come.

Uralla Mayor Robert Bell

Only just released, it’s already showing results: stronger community voices in decision-making, and improved trust between Uralla Shire Council, community and developers. 

In May, councils across the REZ joined the University of New England, Regional Development Australia, Regional Economic Development NSW and EnergyCo to shape a REZ build that benefits the community and delivers lasting regional infrastructure.  

The New England REZ forum, supported by The Next Economy (TNE), delivered on two of the actions identified in Uralla Shire Council’s RESAP: actively engaging in coordination forums to spot gaps in responsibility or sequencing; and convening the right parties to close those gaps.  

Further afield, insights from RESAP are already feeding practical guidance to government and industry, including being shared by The Next Economy at the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into the impact of renewable energy zones on rural and regional communities and industries. 

During engagement, locals told us again and again that water was their biggest concern. ‘Improve Water Security’ is a key strategy in the RESAP. We needed all government and industry stakeholders to really appreciate that concern. And I think we achieved that. No one who attended the NE REZ forum left without a clear picture of the regional water security challenge. We now have strong and ongoing regional collaboration on water security.

Emily Sims, Strategic Planning Officer, Uralla Shire Council

There’s no shortage of toolkits for renewable energy development – what’s missing is a full picture that puts it into practice on the ground. 

The Next Economy’s Saideh Kent, who led the work with Uralla Shire Council to build RESAP, shares her top six insights, developed with commentary from Uralla Shire Council Strategic Planning Officer Emily Sims and Group Manager Infrastructure Services Myles McLindin. 

They contain valuable lessons on how communities, industries and governments can work together for shared value outcomes across the country. 

Buy local with Uralla Bucks. Credit: The Next Economy

1. Communities are partners, not stakeholders to manage 

Good development is built with communities from the outset, not delivered to them. Done well, this doesn’t extend timelines or budgets but does improve outcomes all round. This means moving beyond social licence toward genuine, shared-value relationships – development done, as the nearby Hay community puts it in their Economic Transition Roadmap: “with the community, not to it”. In Uralla, that’s taken shape as a simple guiding principle: minimising impacts and maximising benefits. 

The Renewable Energy Zone will offer a once in a lifetime opportunity, however how that change is managed will impact generations to come.  We have a responsibility to help our community be ready for what is coming and to make sure local voices are heard

Mayor Robert Bell, Uralla Shire Council

A shared community vision is a good starting point, setting out what matters most, and where the opportunities for mutual benefit might lie. This could be attracting investment in roads and housing, or welcoming new people into the community to grow the town and the local economy. 

Useful resource: Social Licence in Renewable Energy Toolkit for Local Government 

2. Respect runs the whole way through 

From the conduct of workers on the ground to policy, siting and land access negotiations, respectful engagement – backed by communities and councils with the capacity to engage as equals – builds trust. Its absence erodes it fast. 

For example, land access is often a community’s first contact with a project, and openness – transparency, legal advice, free and informed consent – builds cohesion, whereas individual, non-disclosure agreement-bound deals, for example, breed suspicion between neighbours. 

In Balala, landholders formed their own group to engage collectively with EnergyCo and a wind farm developer, rather than negotiating one-by-one. They worked collectively with a lawyer to review the terms of the agreement. 

Legal advice should be as close to free as possible to landholders. This can be a real barrier for many and also stretches limited legal expertise in the region. 

Myles McLindin, Group Manager Infrastructure Services, Uralla Shire Council

Useful resources: NSW Farmers Renewable Energy and Transmission Landholder Guide and Queensland Farming Federation’s Renewable Energy Landholder Toolkit  

Farmers in Balala are working together to engage with developers and share their priorities. Credit: Cr Sarah Burrows

3. Benefit-sharing is collaborative, not transactional 

Communities and developers work together across the full benefit spectrum, from community grants through to legacy infrastructure like housing to joint enterprises that create lasting shared value. 

For example, the Armidale Regional Council and Uralla Shire Council have been working together to address the water needs of their communities. The Renewable Energy Zone infrastructure also requires large amounts of water for development. By working together to increase local water storage capacity and supply networks, the Renewable Energy Zone can improve the water security of the region. 

We see it as a regional opportunity the REZ provides a chance to bring in those major infrastructure developments and provide a legacy outcome that gives our communities safe and secure water in the future.

Mayor Robert Bell Uralla Shire Council

Useful resources:

4. Projects fit the land, not just the grid 

Good siting supports multiple land uses and actively protects and enhances both farming operations and local ecology efforts. 

In Uralla, a sixth-generation farming family is negotiating with EnergyCo and a developer to host solar on part of their land. They believe development around Uralla Shire must enhance the township’s character and deliver lasting local benefits. Construction-phase impacts are a key concern – particularly truck movements affecting road conditions and blocking highways used to move stock to market. Uralla Shire Council has already recommended alternative transport routes to protect local assets like the avenue and bridge near Gostwyck Church. 

The Uralla Shire Council, is also working with local biodiversity experts to provide advice on how to protect and enhance biodiversity as new energy infrastructure is developed.   

New England is a unique bioregion. Over the years of intensive grazing practices, tree clearing, drought and eucalypt die-back, the region’s woodland ecosystems have become increasingly threatened. Locals told us very clearly that what remains is precious. They want to see that, at the end of this renewable energy rollout, the environment is in a better place than before.

Emily Sims, Strategic Planning Officer, Uralla Shire Council 

A pilot study undertaken by the University of New England on the ACEN New England Solar Farm is demonstrating ways to improve biodiversity within the region. 

Useful resources: 

  • Hay Inc.’s Rural Education Program – a hands-on training initiative to provide pathways for young people including on the importance of food and fibre production co-existing with renewable energy production. 
  • University of New England’s pilot study into how renewable energy zones can double as valuable habitats for wildlife 
  • Community Power Agency’s Building better biodiversity on solar farms guide 
Balala Brushgrove Landcare Group conduct landholders walk. Credit: Southern New England Landcare (SNEL)

5. Coordination is the multiplier 

Strong governance – linking developers, government and community, managing benefit funds, and investing in enabling infrastructure like water, housing, transport and telecommunications – turns individual projects into regional benefit. 

For example, the Uralla Shire Council Strategic Planner worked with the University of New England to host EnergyCo and the other councils to coordinate infrastructure planning and investment as part of the NE REZ Forum. 

There is an understandable perception in the community that ‘the REZ’ is an entity that can be held accountable. We often hear things like ‘The REZ should pay for upgrades to local roads before they start construction’. In fact, the REZ is being shaped by multiple tiers of government, state functions, and private industry. EnergyCo doesn’t hold all the levers that need to be pulled. Collaboration is necessary to ensure that our community doesn’t fall through some of the cracks.

Emily Sims, Strategic Planning Officer, Uralla Shire Council 

Useful resources: 

6. Council resourcing is key 

Those Councils with expertise and more resources can engage developers on equal footing,  they can spot where projects meet roads, water and housing, and negotiate collaboratively. Councils, often facing multiple projects at once, or without appropriate funding or governance structures, can quickly be outmatched. 

In Uralla, a funding agreement with EnergyCo for $750k over three years has been used to fund a strategic planning role that lifted local capacity to coordinate and respond to activity associated with the renewable energy development in the Shire. This approach has been adopted by nearby Tamworth and Walcha councils. 

There is no chance Uralla Shire Council would be in the position where we are able to advocate effectively for our community without this funding and support.

Myles McLindin, Uralla Shire Council’s Group Manager Infrastructure Services 

7. Construction is an economic opportunity, not just a disruption 

Managed well, construction builds local business capability, attracts and retains workforce, and strengthens social cohesion rather than straining it. 

For example, in Uralla and across the surrounding region, local Aboriginal cultural heritage practitioners are working on the ground as renewable energy projects take shape. Steven Ahoy, a local Anaiwan man, carries out cultural heritage assessments for multiple solar, wind and transmission projects and manages a heritage maintenance crew at an operating solar farm. He has also helped set up an Aboriginal work crew that employs both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. 

Good renewable energy development is not theoretical – it’s already happening, in Uralla and elsewhere across the country. The task now is to learn from it and scale it. 

To read more inspiring examples beyond Uralla, check out these recent projects The Next Economy has collaborated on including place-based, co-design projects over multiple years in nearby Hay (Economic Transition Roadmap) and the South West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils’ Future Economy Strategy. 

Uralla’s Renewable Energy Strategic Action Plan is here

Two years of listening, testing and co-design have led to this: a practical plan for how NSW’s Uralla Shire can manage large-scale renewable energy development on its own terms – protecting what the community values while sharing the benefits of the transition fairly. 

This is not a plan for or against renewable energy. It’s a plan to make sure development happens with the community, not to the community. Our residents have been clear: Uralla’s character, farmland and way of life must be protected, and any development must deliver lasting value for our Shire.

Mayor Robert Bell

When regions are faced with large-scale renewable energy developments, local leaders face a choice: drive the change or get swept up in it. Uralla Shire Council chose to lead, successfully applying for transition support from The Next Economy under the Striking a New Deal project*. 

That move laid the groundwork for the community-led Renewable Energy Strategic Action Plan, endorsed by Council after a lengthy feedback process with community. 

Here we look behind the scenes at how this journey unfolded, what we learned from our experiences working with the Uralla community and what this means for the transition more generally. 

Access the Plan | Read Council’s media release   

A Shire at the centre of the transition 

Uralla Shire sits inside the New England Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) – one of the areas key to decarbonising Australia’s energy system. Solar, batteries and transmission projects are already shaping the region. With multiple wind projects planned, Uralla will be the centre of construction activity. It is already gearing up to host the largest share of temporary construction workers within the REZ.  

Uralla’s location within a REZ brings real opportunity: investment, jobs, training, building lasting infrastructure. But also, real pressure: from housing, water, roads and services, through to the very social fabric of Uralla that locals are proud of. 

While Uralla Shire Council can’t make the decision on whether these projects go ahead – that sits with the state and developers –they can, and have, worked with the local community to decide how the Shire prepares, what it asks for, and what ‘good’ looks like in its own patch. 

The role of The Next Economy 

Together, The Next Economy and Council worked with members of the Uralla community to understand what it takes to proactively shape the roll-out and impacts of the New England REZ, not just respond to them. 

The process included interviews, workshops, school sessions and surveys with more than 150 locals between December 2024 and July 2025. Landholders, business owners, young people and community leaders across the Shire were engaged. 

When people are involved early, it’s easier to identify concerns, and ensure new development strengthens what the community values. 

Saideh Kent, project lead, The Next Economy

Local insights were brought together with national best practice and expert input to build a plan that is grounded in the local context and priorities, and not a cookie cutter model brought in. The result is a renewable energy strategic action plan that:  

  • Sets out what good development looks like, in Uralla’s own terms 
  • Gives Council a clear, evidence-based basis for its conversations with government and industry 
  • Identifies where the Shire needs to act now to stay ahead of construction pressure, including on housing, water, roads, services and nature 
  • Points to how renewable energy investment can leave a genuine legacy, not just short-term disruption. 

Real-time results

Already, the work has brought real-time results, with Council:  

  • Identifying potential sites suitable for housing development and seeking community feedback
  • Collaborating with other councils and EnergyCo to coordinate infrastructure investment  
  • Working with Armidale Regional Council to improve water supplies and drought proof townships 
  • Partnering with the University of Newcastle to set up a recycling hub for solar panels. 

From one Council’s experience to a national conversation 

There’s no shortage of toolkits, guides and case studies for renewable energy development. What’s often missing is something that pulls it altogether and puts it into practice – a clear, tested picture of what success can look like when a regional community leads its own transition.  

Project lead Saideh Kent, is collaborating with colleagues at Uralla Shire Council, to identify the practical, place-based insights for what good renewable development requires – and what makes it possible – to share with other regional councils. Stay tuned. 

Why this matters beyond Uralla 

The energy transition is one of the biggest drivers of economic change across regional Australia right now. It is more than just the construction of poles and wires, it is a major national investment in a new industry located in regions that have not been part of the system before, and with that comes broader social, economic and environmental considerations and impacts.  

Left unmanaged, it can strain the things communities value most and rely on for their livelihoods and way of life. However, if managed well, with community at the centre and positioned as a strategic partner to development, the energy transition can not only move at a scale and pace that is required but can help to build resilient and thriving regions whose economies are working better for local people and their place.  

This ground-up, place-based approach to regional economic development and managing local economic change, is underpinned by The Next Economy’s broader work on macro-economic systems change and wellbeing economies – driving an economy that works for people and the planet, not the other way around.  

The work in Uralla is a real-world example of that thinking in practice – demonstrating what good development looks like for Uralla Shire, how the community can shape local economic transitions (and the economy), and the imperative for government and industry to get behind them when they do.  

*The Next Economy works with government, industry and community across Australia’s regions to shape a transition that strengthens – rather than undermines – local identity, resilience and shared prosperity. Striking a New Deal (SaND) is a national collaboration between The Next Economy, RE-Alliance, the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR), Projects JSA and host councils including Uralla Shire. 

Read earlier stories

Community insights from Uralla

Striking a New Deal for Uralla Shire

Getting a better deal for regions hosting renewables

Read more about what came across during community engagement via Council’s website: A shire-wide conversation: community insights for Uralla Shire’s energy future.

Stories from the Road(map) 

The Hay Economic Transition Roadmap is a practical, locally driven plan designed to strengthen the regional economy, build on agricultural and transport advantages and secure long-term local benefits from renewable energy developments underway. 

Developed by the community and convened by Hay Shire Council with support from The Next Economy, it brings together community, business, industry and governments around a common direction for coordinated action. 

In April, we got to catch up with a few of the Hay community members who contributed to the Roadmap, and to hear what they had to say about the opportunities, challenges and momentum already building on the ground. 

Check out our main Roadmap video, then dive into what members of the Hay community had to say below. 

“We’re looking at what we can do that uses renewable energy to generate things that our farm and local industry need. A part of that is looking at a hydrogen plant.” 

– Monica Morona, Business Development Manager

Hear more from Monica

“The roadmap is important to Hay because it secures Hay’s future. Knowing that there’s jobs and opportunities for future generations. We’ve got to keep up with the times and Hay has to do that as well.”

– Gary Brown, business owner, Hay Newsagency and Alpha1 Property 

Hear more from Gary

“The Roadmap will help support our endeavours in agriculture here, because if we can bring secondary income to a lot of these primary production properties it gives us the benefit of having a sound other income stream.” 

– Richard Cannon, landholder

Hear more from Richard

“Hay’s history to date has been on predominately agriculture returns. Now going forward we’ve got that opportunity to pick up secondary industry … If the region wins, then we all win together and that’s a great outcome.”

– Jasen Crighton, Owner and Operator, Crighton Engineering 

Hear more from Jasen

“The roadmap has been really important to see some of those opportunities in agriculture, and I think if we have another opportunity to embrace an industry that might be able to safeguard us from some of the highs and lows that the ag community faces then we should embrace it.”

– Fiona Paterson, landholder

Hear more from Fiona

Read more about the Roadmap here:

Find out more from Hay Shire Council:

🎥Chris Grose – scoutfilms.com.au

South West Queensland launches economic blueprint for future

Six councils spanning one of Queensland’s most distinctive outback regions have launched a Future Economy Strategy: a practical, community-led plan to diversify local economies and manage change on their own terms. 

Developed by the South West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (SWQROC) in partnership with economic development agency The Next Economy (TNE), the Strategy covers the Maranoa, Balonne, Murweh, Quilpie, Paroo and Bulloo local government areas – a vast region defined by deep community resilience, extreme weather events and a changing agriculture and gas sector. 

The Strategy was shaped by more than 77 contributors – council staff, producers, First Nations organisations, local businesses and community members – and identifies seven opportunity areas tailored to how the South West Queensland economy actually works. 

View from the Cunnamulla hot spring. Credit: The Next Economy

From converting waste to energy at the Roma saleyards, to green ammonia feasibility in Balonne to stabilise fertiliser costs, to the Cunnamulla Aboriginal Corporation for Health coordinating 33 visiting services for remote residents – the plan is grounded in what is already working and what communities say needs to come next. 

“This region has capable communities that pride themselves on practical problem solving.” Simone Talbot, SWQROC Executive Officer, says. “Global changes such as geopolitics, weather extremes and the cost of living are prompting us to consider what does ‘transition’ mean for our region. Our vast distances mean we are at the very limits of energy infrastructure and are heavily reliant on road transport and so we need to think differently about future opportunities and how we participate in a future economy.”   

The Strategy includes a tailored roadmap for each of the six councils, scaled to real staff and budget constraints. In Quilpie, that means exploring microgrids and back-freight opportunities to cut costs. In Murweh, it means expanding on tourism assets like the Cosmos Centre and WWII heritage sites. In Maranoa, it means managing the coexistence of wind, gas and agriculture through early community engagement on the Bottle Tree Energy Park. 

“What struck us most was how much is already happening here,” says Saideh Kent, project lead at The Next Economy. “These communities are progressing local solutions that suit their context. Our job was to listen carefully about their experience of transition and change, connect the dots, and build a plan that reflects the unique assets of South West Queensland and reflects what the community actually wants and needs. Not what someone from outside thinks transition should look like.” 

The publication of the Future Economy Strategy follows a significant milestone earlier this year, when a delegation of SWQROC mayors travelled to Canberra to present key messages directly to federal politicians and agencies. There, they made the case for coordinated investment in local solutions to housing, digital connectivity, freight infrastructure and workforce transition for fossil-fuel-exposed regions. 

“We went to Canberra because we wanted decision-makers to hear directly from us, to understand our context and consider an approach to change that is appropriate to our economic, social and climatic environment,” Simone says, adding: “This region has always contributed to the national economy. Now we’re asking for support to back our own solutions so we can keep contributing into the future.” 

Where to from here 

SWQROC will now move into implementation, with councils progressing priority actions from their individual roadmaps while coordinating on regional challenges too large for any single council to tackle alone. This includes on waste recovery, energy advocacy, freight and logistics, housing and workforce initiatives. 

The Strategy also sets out clear asks of industry, the Queensland Government and the Federal Government: from proactive planning for gas expansion and contraction and transparent local procurement, to rural grid upgrades, regional waste solutions, improved telecommunications and co-investment in worker housing. 

“This region is already managing change and transition, adopting innovative approaches that build on their local strengths,” Saideh says. “This Strategy brings together and builds on this ingenuity looking at the opportunities to create a resilient future.” 

The South West Queensland Future Economy Strategy is available here:

Download South West Queensland Future Economy Strategy

Read more:

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

Last week the Hay Economic Transition Roadmap was launched in Hay with the people who brought it to life – Hay Shire Council and around 30 of the 250 community members who contributed in one way or another over three years of deep engagement. This roadmap isn’t just a document; it’s a genuine expression of what the community wants for its future, and we’re so excited to have supported its development and have it out in the world. 

Led by Hay Shire Council with support from The Next Economy, the Roadmap brings together local knowledge, priorities and practical actions to guide the next decade of economic change – building on Hay’s strengths and preparing for what’s coming. It is designed to align investment with community aspirations and catalyse coordinated, collective action for change – with the community in the driver’s seat.  

We sat down with our Land Program Director Jacqui Bell to talk about what she’s learned over the past couple of years and what this means for how we think about regional economic transitions.  

Why are region-wide economic transition plans needed?  

Communities like Hay are navigating compounding pressures all at once – things like housing shortages, workforce gaps, industry shifts and climate exposure. Band-aids on broken systems won’t cut it. We need upstream change that builds on local strengths and focuses on practical solutions that respond to the unique characteristics of a place. That is, change that generates value locally – not simply chasing narrow national targets or technology mandates. 

Working at the regional level connects the dots between sectors and industries to tackle challenges and create new opportunities in ways no single farm, business or government agency can do alone. In agricultural regions like Hay for example, regional planning and coordination creates the enabling environment for local businesses and farmers to ‘move’ and explore new partnerships, de-risk innovation and diversify on-farm income. 

For new industry proponents, a regional plan signals where opportunity exists and how shared value can be created – and in many cases, collaboration with regional stakeholders is what makes the business case for investment stack up. For farmers, it enables economies of scale, de-risked investment, opportunities to lower external inputs and new business activities that simply aren’t viable farm by farm. We see examples of this already in efforts to get good outcomes for nature – where working at a regional level, not a farm level sometimes makes a lot more sense. 

Regional collaboration isn’t always straightforward – but there are organisations working out how to do it well, helping landholders, residents and Councils find the mechanisms and models to sustain this work over the long term. 

So, what does this look like in practice? 

Hay sits in the South West Renewable Energy Zone, a real opportunity for the region if managed well. The Roadmap process is already delivering results. From housing solutions, new agricultural industries, expanded childcare, and two renewable energy projects progressing with broad community support.  

There are many more opportunities emerging. For example, offtake industries – businesses that take locally-produced energy and use it productively – preferably for the benefit of local industries and businesses. Think freight, fuel, and fertilisers. A sustainable fertiliser business using renewable energy is already under establishment, with regional producers committed to buying at the scale needed to make it viable. 

And it’s not just new businesses. Existing ones are adapting too. A local engineering firm is moving into water infrastructure for energy projects – a specialisation with applications well beyond Hay. 

This isn’t just aspiration –the momentum is real and work is happening already on the ground. 

Jacqui shares the final Roadmap with community members at the launch in late April. 

What’s the role of Local Government in all this? 

Council plays an important role – facilitation, convening, connecting the dots, building the appetite for change, countering misinformation etc. Support for renewable energy development in a region like Hay didn’t happen because of some national campaign – it was because of the rigorous and ongoing communication and engagement that Council facilitated, the discussions they brought together, the open door they had to proponents, community, businesses. 

Why is community involvement important? 

When local people are involved and are part of a group behind a vision and supported to be champions of economic change, momentum builds. We could see this in real time last week, when one of our working group members shared how they’ve been talking to a local organisation about progressing an action in the Roadmap. This is where the magic happens – community starts to talk, and action is sparked. 

Why is regional work like the Hay Roadmap important? 

Regional work matters – it is the connective tissue that holds the regional economic system together and helps each individual component move in the right direction. It’s also critical for sectoral transitions – to understand how characteristics of a place shape or hinder the big shifts that are needed, such as the decarbonisation of agriculture, for instance. 

The work in Hay is important because it tells a strong and compelling story about what good regional development and economic transitions can look like across Australia.  Communities facing big shifts – new energy, industry change, climate pressure and workforce gaps are increasingly deciding to shape their own futures rather than wait. The ones doing it well are planning ahead, building on local strengths, and asking the right questions: What are we transitioning to? What does good development look like here? How do we make sure benefits flow locally?  

Hay is one of the clearest examples of what this looks like when it’s done well, and the lessons here matter well beyond one town  

But a Roadmap is just a document, isn’t it? 

People sometimes roll their eyes at the thought of another planning document, but for The Next Economy, the document is simply the artefact – the process, the engagement, the coordination and local capacity building is what creates change and builds momentum for new partnerships, new opportunities and community leadership of the future. 

That said, the pride that the Hay community feel for the Roadmap, and the value they see it provides them is huge. This was again demonstrated by the conversations we were part of and feedback we received from local people during our visit to Hay last week when we launched the Roadmap with the community. Having a document like this provides a strong signal to investors, collaborators and government. It’s something that everyone in the region can point to demonstrate the work they’ve done, the direction they’re heading, their priorities and what doing business in Hay looks like.  

The number of queries we and the region have had even after the soft launch of the Roadmap last week is testimony to its power. The Roadmap sends a signal that Hay is a strategic partner to change with people that have the mindsets and willingness to explore opportunities and create shared value.  

So, what should we take out of all of this? 

Hay has and is doing something genuinely impressive – a community of this size taking the initiative to plan ahead, build consensus, and deliver real outcomes.  It’s a clear example of what responsible development and economic transitions managed well can looks like across Australia. For other regions to go the distance, they need the same meaningful engagement and real backing, including funded local coordination roles that turn good plans into lasting outcomes. 

Jacqui (far right) celebrating the launch with (from left) TNE Senior Project Officer Doug Ruuska, Hay Shire Council Economic Development Officer Alison McLean and Hay Shire Council Youth and Economic Development Officer Kylie Brettschneider. 

Read more about the Roadmap
Read the full Roadmap

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 work with the Hay Shire Council and the local community to develop a sequenced, practical pathway for economic growth. 

Why Hay is leading the way 

Located at a strategic intersection of renewable energy zones and key transport routes, Hay is acting early to ensure change happens with the community, not to it. The Roadmap focuses on: 

  • Local leadership: Building on rural enterprise and natural resources. 
  • Strategic levers: Seven accelerator actions to increase regional capacity, including dedicated coordinators for housing and workforce development. 
  • Shared value: Creating conditions for industry and government to align with community-defined priorities. 

This project demonstrates what is possible when local insights are backed by strong collaboration. Hay is ready, the momentum is real, and the invitation is open for collaborators to join us in unlocking the full impact of this vision. 

Read the full report

Our evidence to the NSW REZ inquiry: lessons from the ground 

Energy lead Saideh Kent appeared before the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into the impact of renewable energy zones on rural and regional communities and industries in late March. It was an opportunity to highlight the great work communities in renewable energy zones are progressing and reinforce the critical role regions play in the development of renewable energy, says Saideh.  

The Next Economy has been working alongside Hay Shire Council in the South West REZ and Uralla Shire Council in the New England REZ for the past two years, and both councils endorsed reports of our work in the fortnight before Saideh appeared. Working closely with councils,Saideh says “you see how they are getting on with development, managing challenges and seeking the best outcomes for their communities”. 

Here Saideh shares some of her reflections…     

What we’re hearing on the ground 

The picture is more positive than the headlines often suggest. Communities are getting on with it, working alongside developers, EnergyCo and government departments to plan for what is coming and find solutions that work for them. We have seen genuine improvements in the NSW planning framework over the past two years, with greater clarity emerging around community engagement, landholder payments and benefit sharing, and EnergyCo’s funding support for local government has made a real difference to what councils can actually do – though they do remain very overstretched. 

Housing is a good example of communities turning a challenge into an opportunity. Both Hay and Uralla are progressing innovative housing solutions with developers and private investors, where short-term workforce demand creates the market conditions for investment in housing that will benefit the community long after construction is complete. 

Community engagement needs to be genuine 

Communities in REZ areas are not short of opportunities to be consulted, but the quality of that engagement matters enormously. People do not want to be asked by eight different project developers how they would like to spend community benefit funds. What they need more of is real involvement in decisions about transport routes, housing and workforce planning, all things that will affect their lives.  

Working in place provides the opportunity to bring all parties to the table to work through challenges and determine what is the best solution for local communities.  In some areas local employment targets are effective, in others, they can add stress to existing workforce shortfalls, so engaging communities in local solutions is so important. 

Local government belongs at the table 

Councils in REZ areas are doing an enormous amount of work.  Coordinating across agencies, planning for cumulative impacts, facilitating community engagement, often holding the process together in ways that are not always visible. The Next Economy supports Hay Shire Council’s call for councils to be recognised as strategic partners in the REZ planning framework, with concurrence required from councils in the development of conditions of consent. This would allow councils’ requirements and policies to be incorporated into the general terms of approval and give communities greater certainty. Continued and enhanced funding for council capability through the development and construction phases will also be essential. 

EnergyCo’s mandate and development outside the REZs 

EnergyCo’s coordination role has been valuable, but its broader authority rests on changeable footing under the current legislation. We would like to see that role clarified and reinforced so it has the ongoing mandate and funding to support communities across the full life of each REZ. I also raised the situation facing councils dealing with development outside the REZ access schemes, where cumulative impacts are just as real, but coordination support is much thinner and called for the REZ access merit criteria to be extended more broadly. 

Nature and local knowledge 

Reflecting on my evidence, an issue I did not get to raise at the inquiry but sees as critical: communities we have engaged with care deeply about the land and want to see nature-positive outcomes from these developments, which is entirely compatible with renewable energy. The University of New England is already undertaking research on biodiversity in solar farms, local farmers are keen to participate in biodiversity offset programs, and there is deep environmental expertise in the region that should be drawn on actively. We support the inquiry’s earlier recommendation calling on the NSW Government to identify ecological protection and restoration priorities for each REZ and encourage developers to contribute to positive regional environmental outcomes. 

What gives me confidence 

What stays with me after two years of this work is how capable these communities are., . Councils are coordinating across agencies, planning for large incoming construction workforces, facilitating community engagement across multiple projects, and doing most of it with constrained resources and a planning framework that has not always kept pace with what is happening on the ground.  

The opportunity on the other side of all this is significant. Better housing, lasting infrastructure, stronger local economies, nature-positive outcomes from development that is done well. But those things do not happen automatically. They take resourcing, coordination, and a framework that treats councils as partners who need support to get the best outcomes for their communities. 

That is ultimately what I wanted to leave the committee with, examples where the real challenges are being addressed by communities, that have done the hard work of showing up, engaging honestly and pushing for something better. 

Saideh at the inquiry with fellow speakers Chris O’Keefe and William Churchill from the Clean Energy Council.
 
Download the SaND Report
Download the Hay Report

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. 

Our Land Sector Program Lead Jacqui Bell attended Freight Forward summit on commercial vehicle decarbonisation at Parliament House on 30 March 2026, hosted by Energy Futures Foundation. This event could not have been timelier, as we grapple with fuel security as a nation. It’s also deeply relevant to our work with regional communities here at The Next Economy. 

Jacqui heard how Australia imports 90% of our transportation fuel and moves more freight per person than any other country. She also learnt that 98% of businesses in Australia’s freight transport system are owned by small to medium businesses, 2% by owned by large corporate freight and logistics operators. Those big businesses have the power to send signals down the supply chains to make the transition work, but those signals must be backed by investment, education and support to shift. 

Jacqui at Parliament House on Monday 

Here are some more of Jacqui’s reflections post-summit about what she heard and what this might mean for our work with regional communities. 

I’m really curious about the “lopsided economics of transport” (to quote Transport Workers Union National Secretary Michael Kaine). While large logistics companies move a significant share of Australia’s freight through linehaul networks, the system relies heavily on small and medium operators (think local businesses and independent drivers) to complete last-mile delivery and provide regional coverage from depot to door/gate. They make up around 98% of freight businesses in Australia and are critical to how the freight system actually functions.  These businesses are embedded within large supply chains, not separate from them. Additionally in many regions there are more unlikely suspects that will be affected by the sector transition – think the farmer who owns machinery and trucks or the locally owned and managed service station which plays a role similar but different to the local pub.  

Australia’s freight and logistics system in Australia is important for regional Australia and communities. Australia’s freight system in many cases keep regional economies moving, and are critical to the viability of local industries and businesses and local spend. Changes in this sector aren’t going to just impact the trucks we see on the road or how and where they charge to ‘refuel’, sectoral change in technology, ownership, power and system design have the potential to create a ripple effect or more likely a tsunami of impacts for other regional communities, local businesses and industries, regional economies and serviceability across more rural and remote parts of Australia.  Not to mention have significant implications for other sectors in transition such as energy. 

There are practical challenges for freight decarbonisation in regional Australia. Much of our local infrastructure, like roads and bridges, are no longer fit-for purpose for the future transport and freight system we need to transition well. There’s also questions about energy access including poles and wire infrastructure, which is not reliable or extensive enough to provide energy where it is going to be needed. There’s the fragmentation of the industry between technologies, ownership, scale and size. And that’s not to mention the practicalities of dealing with digitisation of machinery, and their serviceability etc. We hear of farmers who are stockpiling trucks and machinery because malfunctioning digital systems in machines are too disruptive for day-to-day operations. 

While there are challenges, there are also opportunities. Regions like Hay in NSW could be partners for investment; they have space for microgrids, potential for their own energy production (e.g., wind turbines) and the region is already strategically located on major trucking routes. How do we support a region like Hay to establish its own charging and servicing infrastructure and move away from providers just ‘coming in over’, doing their own thing and taking spend out of the local economy? 

We need regional voices. They need to be in the room and around the table of these conversations to make sure that workers, and small to medium business owners and regional agencies are part of the process and involved in shaping the solutions.  

This conversation goes beyond reducing emissions. Freight is one of the biggest vulnerabilities to our nation’s economy, and its decarbonisation is also about building resilience. 

The transition of the sector is probably going to require a mix of technologies. It’s not just electrification of vehicles, but there may also be discrete roles for green hydrogen and biofuels in some cases (although the jury seems still a bit out on this). It is a question of the right mix – the right trucks for the right segments. 

Ultimately, this is not a technical challenge; this is a socioecological challenge.  The technology is here for decarbonisation of freight and many commercial vehicles are due to be changed over. This is an implementation challenge. Some stats suggest we are in a ‘window of opportunity’ where a large number of vehicles are due to be upgraded in the next 5 years; the push is to shift from diesel to EV now. While there is a high upfront capital price, ongoing fuel prices make the shift favourable. Panels from Woolworths, Fortescue, and IKEA, for instance, noted that the business case (for transition) stacked up even with pre-crisis prices. But how do we support this to happen? There was a lot of talk about misinformation, knowledge, and understanding. 

There’s a big question around the overall design of the system. Air Vice-Marshal John Blackburn, former Deputy Chief of the Air Force, current Chair, Institute for Integrated Economic Research Australia made this point, noting we appear to be arguing the components. There was also much discussion about charging infrastructure, the need for it, how to roll it out and who owns and accesses it. What will this mean for the majority of small to medium businesses that need to use that infrastructure? 

My final take home is that there is different work that needs to be done in this moment. We need to navigate through this crisis, making sure that we don’t lock ourselves into something we can’t easily undo.  And then we need to get realistic about a ‘funded’ transition that is fair, sustainable, keeps people safe, keeps the industry viable, and supports regional communities and economies. 

Questions I’m still thinking about: 

  • What happens to small ‘Ma and Pa’ independent fuel stations who play such an important role in regional communities? 
  • How do we take care of society of our people and places as we transition so we continue to be a place that we want to live, where prosperity is shared? 
  • How are people in the sector thinking about these social elements of this challenge and transition?  
  • How can regions whose economies rely a large part on freight and logistics to keep their economy going, be a part of this conversation about enabling infrastructure and system redesign? 
  • If transport comes to a standstill and/or if it shifts into a totally different system that locks out local businesses and operators, how do we prepare communities and build the socioeconomic conditions and capacity required to endure and adapt? 
  • If most freight and logistics companies are run and owned by small to medium business owners around Australia, how do we support that system to move in a way that doesn’t involve carrying the cost burden of change without having a share in the rewards of moving? 

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.   

Why is the land sector important to Australia’s economic transition?  

The land sector sits right at the intersection of Australia’s biggest transitions. It’s where climate risk is already being felt most acutely, where adaptation and mitigation must happen together, and where decisions about land use directly shape regional economies, food systems, biodiversity, and community wellbeing.  

Unlike energy or industry, the land sector isn’t one thing. It’s a bundle of economic activities – agriculture, forestry, conservation, carbon, water, mining, infrastructure – all competing for the same finite resources. How land is owned, valued, used and governed determines what’s possible economically, socially, culturally and environmentally.  

As climate impacts intensify and global markets shift, how we use land, as well as value and manage the ecosystem services it provides will increasingly inform whether Australia builds resilience and shared value – or locks in deeper inequities and long-term risk.  

Looking back on 2025, what were the defining points for Australia’s land sector?  

2025 felt like a year where multiple threads finally came together. There was a sense of catch‑up across policy, investment and public conversation about the role the land sector plays in Australia’s transition to net zero and nature‑positive outcomes. Long‑awaited strategies and initiatives began to land, and programs like the CRC for Net Zero Agriculture started to gain more traction, signalling that agriculture and land use were no longer being treated as peripheral to the transition.  

One of the most significant shifts we have seen through our work, is a growing readiness to mainstream more regenerative and climate‑resilient approaches into farming. Twenty years ago, farmers experimenting with regenerative practices were often working against the system. In 2025, we saw the enabling conditions begin to stack up: policy drivers, market signals, climate realities and finance are pointing in the same direction. That alignment as well as other broader socioeconomic factors is creating a real tipping point in willingness to rethink how production systems work across different landscapes.  

At the same time, the year exposed just how slow and fragmented our economic systems still are. There is a lot of innovation happening on farms, in communities and in pockets of investment, but it’s uneven and difficult to scale. Capabilities, ownership structures, planning frameworks and institutional inertia continue to lock in existing patterns of land use, even as the need for change becomes more urgent.  

Climate risk also became much harder to ignore. The National Climate Risk Assessment brought sharper visibility to the conditions landholders and regions will need to endure in coming decades – and, in some parts of Australia, where certain land uses and farming systems may not even be viable long-term.  

Overall, 2025 wasn’t a year of resolution, but it was a year of these shifts (and many others) coming to the surface. The challenges facing the land sector became more visible, the stakes more explicit, and the imperative for coordinated, place‑based and just approaches to land use change much harder to push aside.  

What are the biggest challenges facing Australia’s land sector right now?  

Complexity and cumulative pressure are the defining challenges.  

Landholders and regional communities are dealing with climate impacts, market volatility, policy uncertainty, workforce shortages, rising costs, and rapid land use change – all at the same time. These pressures aren’t additive; they’re compounding.  

Climate risk is no longer theoretical. We’re seeing clearer projections of extreme heat, water scarcity, flood and drought cycles that fundamentally question the long-term viability of some farming systems and, in some places, human habitation. In northern Australia, for example, the growing number of extreme heat days raises real questions about labour, productivity, liveability and safety.  

At the same time, investment and ownership structures are shifting. Institutional investors are becoming more sophisticated about climate risk and land value, enabled by digital technologies and data. That has the potential to drive innovation – but it can also accelerate consolidation, change land use rapidly, and create unintended consequences for regional economies and communities.  

Jacqui talking nature and land use trade-offs at the Better Futures Forum in 2024. 

What does a climate-safe, regenerative and socially-just land sector look like in practice?  

In practice, it’s not a single model – it’s place specific.  

A climate safe land sector integrates mitigation and adaptation, rather than treating them as separate goals. It supports farming systems that are resilient to heat, water variability and extreme events, while restoring soils, biodiversity and natural capital over time. In practice, that looks like more diverse and resilient farm systems, healthier landscapes, and multiple income streams that reward stewardship as well as production.  

A regenerative approach becomes mainstream not just because it’s ‘better’, but because the conditions finally stack up: policy settings, market signals, climate realities and finance are aligning in ways they weren’t 20 years ago. Back then, early adopters were pushing uphill. Today, there’s a genuine tipping point in readiness and willingness to do things differently.  

This isn’t just a shift at the farm level – it’s a broader system transition across supply chains, finance and policy that makes different choices viable at scale.  

Social justice means recognising power and equity: who owns land, who benefits from new markets, who carries risk, and who gets left behind. In the Australian context, it also means recognising and partnering with First Nations land stewards and cultural knowledge. It means designing transitions that support producers to continue producing good food – rather than pushing risk down the supply chain or hollowing out regional communities.  

There are real trade-offs and tensions to navigate, but the direction of travel is now much clearer (albeit still looking very messy)!  

How are farmers, landholders and Traditional Owners already leading this transition?  

A lot of leadership is already happening on the ground, often ahead of policy.  

Farmers have been experimenting with regenerative practices, climate smart production, on-farm business diversification and new business models for decades. What’s changed is the visibility and validation of that work – as well as the growing recognition that adaptation is an economic necessity, not just an environmental choice, and that there are some challenges that are better addressed at a region or landscape scale than at the farm level.  

Traditional Owners are also leading innovation, particularly where land management, cultural knowledge and economic development intersect. Land and Country are the foundations for First Nations economic sovereignty, and there’s huge potential for Indigenousled approaches to land stewardship to deliver economic, cultural and ecological outcomes – if the right structures and capital are in place.  

What we often see, though, is fragmentation: great practice, limited coordination, and insufficient system level support to scale what’s working.  

What policy changes would help speed up the shift to fair and sustainable land use?  

One of the biggest gaps is in planning and coordination.  

Our land use planning systems are no longer fit for purpose. They weren’t designed to manage cumulative impacts, rapid transitions, or competing demands like renewable energy, conservation, food production, infrastructure and critical minerals – all at once.  

The EPBC Act reforms late last year signalled a stronger role for environmental protection and nature positive outcomes through development, which is important. A big question will be how these changes interact with land use, regional economies and cumulative development pressures.  

On their own, regulatory reforms won’t deliver good outcomes. Without integrated planning, clear pathways for development, and genuine engagement with communities, we risk creating more friction and uncertainty on the ground.  

Integrated regional planning could be transformative if done well – bringing these competing uses together in a coordinated way, identifying clear priorities, managing trade-offs deliberately, and setting upfront rules about where development should and shouldn’t occur. Done poorly, it risks entrenching conflict or shifting impacts onto communities without their input. The decisions made – from zoning and go/no go areas to approval pathways – will determine who benefits and who bears the cost of transition.  

More broadly, we need policy that recognises climate adaptation as a core economic function, not an afterthought which aligns investment, land use and community outcomes over the long term. Good policy will require this work to happen with communities, not to them – with early and meaningful involvement in shaping land use decisions.  

Finally, what excites you about this work?  

What excites me is that we’re at a moment where the questions are finally shifting.  

There’s growing recognition that climate risk is a socio-economic issue, that adaptation matters as much as transition, that technology and innovation on farm is just one part of the Ag sectors transition, and that finance and climate investment decisions are driving change across Australia.    

All of these and more are creating greater opportunity and imperative to explore and demonstrate what good economic transitions looks like – and how getting it right in regions and on the ground can support the land sector to shift in a way that helps Australia navigate uncertainty, restores nature, and builds an economy that genuinely serve communities – not just markets.  

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

Esparq Ventures is quietly reshaping the Indigenous business landscape across Northern Australia. In less than two years, its community-led model has supported dozens of Indigenous entrepreneurs to launch and grow ventures across sectors like tourism, agriculture, technology and education. These businesses are creating jobs, building founder confidence, and strengthening local economies – all while staying grounded in culture and Country. 

Esparq Ventures is an Indigenous-led organisation working alongside Indigenous entrepreneurs to grow strong, successful businesses and a thriving First Nations business ecosystem. Founded in 2024, Esparq exists to back Indigenous founders with the tools, networks and support they need to take their ideas to market and succeed on their own terms. This includes building ventures, unlocking new market opportunities, and strengthening the infrastructure needed to support a connected and resilient Indigenous economy. Everything we do is grounded in self-determination and a belief in what’s possible when communities have the resources to shape their own futures. Esparq has 100% Indigenous membership and a majority Indigenous Board.

 To find out more visit: www.esparq.com.au   

Darryl Majid, founder and CEO of Esparq, is modest about his own achievements – but when he speaks about his team, their work, and the people they walk alongside, his enthusiasm is unmistakable. In this conversation, Darryl shares the thinking behind Esparq’s approach, the lessons learned from walking alongside entrepreneurs in Far North Queensland and the Torres Strait, and the bold vision driving the company’s next chapter.  

This conversation accompanies Walking Together, Esparq’s first official report, co-authored with The Next Economy, and explores the challenges, opportunities and stories shaping a new Indigenous-led business ecosystem. 

Tell us about your journey – what’s your background, and what inspired you to start Esparq Ventures? 

I started out working in the space as a First Nations Lead, alongside some incredibly talented and passionate people. We were making early progress in building Indigenous social enterprises, and that experience gave me a real sense of what was possible. But it also highlighted the limitations of traditional structures for Indigenous businesses. 

In August 2023, I made the decision to leave and build something new. I’d just become a father, so part of it was necessity – I needed to bring in income. But I also knew I had a unique skill set and a deep passion for this work. I’ve always thrived on the challenge of raising capital and pitching ideas, it scratches a competitive itch for me. 

More importantly, I saw that there were all sorts of people and funders who genuinely wanted to support Indigenous businesses but didn’t know how to connect with the right people or navigate the cultural context. Esparq was born out of that gap – to walk alongside entrepreneurs, unlock opportunities, and build something that could truly shift the landscape. 

You often talk about ‘walking alongside’ entrepreneurs, and it’s the name of the paper, what does that look like in practice? 

It means going the long route. We’re not just handing over a business plan and walking away. We pitch for our clients, call out bad actors, ring government on their behalf. We pool shared resources like bookkeeping. It’s a tough model – expensive and time-intensive – but we believe the long-term investment will pay off. 

We’re deeply embedded in the work. We’re part of the business, not just advisors. That’s what walking alongside really means. 

What are the biggest barriers Indigenous entrepreneurs face – especially in remote or regional areas? Why haven’t traditional investment models worked? 

Capital is the biggest barrier – always. There are lots of other barriers, but they all come back to money. Non-Indigenous entrepreneurs are more likely to have access to family savings or assets they can leverage. That’s not the reality for most Indigenous people. If you don’t have money, you can’t get money. 

Traditional investment models assume that kind of access. They’re built around people who can self-fund or bootstrap. That’s why they haven’t worked – they don’t account for the structural disadvantage Indigenous entrepreneurs face. 

What kind of future do you imagine for Indigenous entrepreneurship, and how does Esparq help bring that to life? 

I imagine a future with more access, more exposure, and more maturity in the Indigenous business sector. Right now, a lot of businesses are sole traders or joint ventures – many are dependent on grants, not loans; not independently owned or scalable. We need to build models that allow Indigenous entrepreneurs to grow and thrive, not just survive. 

Esparq is about creating those models. We’re building businesses that can replicate and scale across northern Australia – like Bush Beef, which allows Indigenous cattle breeders to supply into a single entity to better access markets. Through one business, we can create many. It’s about solving our own problems and using those learnings to drive systems change. 

What strengths do you see in the businesses you work with, and what are some common misconceptions? 

One big misconception is that Indigenous people aren’t entrepreneurial – but that couldn’t be further from the truth. There’s a genuine entrepreneurial spirit in our communities. People are running multiple micro-businesses, juggling jobs, and constantly innovating. In the past two weeks alone, we’ve had leads ranging from drone tech to AI tools for classrooms. The ideas are out there. 

The strength lies in the people.  

We look for founders with tenacity, creativity and character … the kind of high-agency individuals who move with urgency, challenge the status quo and find a way to keep going when others stop looking. Like the woman who catered for a full group from a tiny kitchen with a single burner — and still delivered unforgettable food, by boat. Or the tourism founder who couldn’t get funding, but rallied volunteers, built partnerships and got a bus on the road to market his vision. You can’t help or teach this stuff. The rest – pricing, bookkeeping, operations – we can help with. 

What does success look like for Esparq, beyond just the numbers? How should we be measuring value in Indigenous business? 

Success is about empowering people to create wealth and autonomy. If people have money, good things follow. We don’t need to define impact narrowly – we just need to record the great things that happen when communities are empowered. 

Measuring jobs, revenue, and businesses supported has its role. But a job in Cairns isn’t the same as a job in remote Cape York. We need to tell the stories of what happens when people are given wealth and autonomy – that’s the real impact. 

What did the Esparq Partner Experience in Cairns and the Torres Strait mean to you – personally and professionally? 

It was surreal. I’ve never had many traditional jobs, so I’m always figuring things out. Professionally, it opened new opportunities for Esparq and the businesses we support. Personally, it was more relief than excitement – just knowing it worked, and it all came together. 

The trip wasn’t about showcasing our work – it was about introducing people to the communities we work with. That’s the difference. We’re not saying, ‘come see what we’ve done’ – we’re saying ‘come meet the people we’re walking alongside’. 

What’s next for Esparq, and what are you most excited about in this next phase? 

We’re shifting toward building scalable businesses and co-founding with community. Bush Beef is another good example – one head business that Traditional Owners can supply to. We’re piloting tourism and logistics networks to break down barriers of remoteness. It’s about replicating and scaling models across northern Australia. 

We’re also using those learnings to shape new products – like our Futures Fund, alongside shared services. It’s about solving our own problems and building systems that work for our communities. 

What message would you share with investors, policymakers, or aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs reading your new report? 

There’s a quote I relate to: ‘It’s human nature to overestimate risk and underestimate opportunity’. The risks aren’t as big as you think, and the opportunities are bigger. Despite all the barriers, people are still finding a way to win. Imagine what we could do if we unlocked those barriers. 

For entrepreneurs, I don’t want to sugarcoat it – business is hard. It’s not for everyone. But if you’re still keen after hearing that, then maybe it is for you. We’re here to walk alongside those who are ready to take that leap. 

Read Walking Together: Building Indigenous Business in Northern Australia – a new report by Esparq Ventures, co-authored with The Next Economy.

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 shares early insights from this work. It highlights the challenges and opportunities facing Indigenous businesses, and how Esparq’s model is helping to grow a more connected, resilient and thriving Indigenous business ecosystem. 

Co-authored with The Next Economy, the report features stories from the ground, reflections from the team, and lessons to inform policy, funding and systems change. It also captures the spirit of Esparq’s approach – walking alongside communities and backing their vision for the future. 

Read the full report here

Find out more in our Q+A with the CEO of Esparq Ventures: Walking Together: A conversation with Darryl French-Majid

Nature, people and place: why Australia’s environmental laws are critical for regions 

Australia is rewriting its national environmental laws in response to widespread recognition that the current system is failing both nature and communities. In our submission to the reform process, we shared what we’ve heard from regional Australians around how to make these laws work for people, place and the environment.

Australia’s national environmental laws (commonly referred to as the EPBC Act) are under reform, a long-awaited response to widespread recognition that the existing system has been failing both nature and communities. 

Regional Australians and communities are on the frontline of economic and environmental change. Major infrastructure and industry projects are reshaping landscapes, economies and communities at a pace not seen for decades. These developments will often fall under the scope of these reforms, and how the new national environmental laws are designed and implemented will directly affect regional people, places and industries. Getting it right for the regions is key to getting it right for the country. 

Lake Moondarra in Mt Isa, an important water resource for locals. Credit: Chris Grose

At The Next Economy, we made a submission to the recent national review process.  Drawing on years of work alongside regional communities, we highlighted how clear and effective national environmental laws are essential not only for protecting biodiversity, but for ensuring regional communities can participate in, inform, and benefit from sustainable development.  

We made a number of suggestions in our submission – including the need to involve regions as active partners in decisions around land, water, biodiversity and cultural heritage. Done well, this approach can build trust and provide long-term certainty for communities, industry and government. 

Regions care deeply about the environment, and want a say in looking after it 

People in regional areas have a deep connection to their local environments. First Nations peoples continue to care for Country they have for thousands of years. Farmers, land managers, and local organisations are restoring landscapes, protecting biodiversity, and trialling regenerative practices. 

The clear message from across our engagement is: people want to contribute to environmental stewardship, not be excluded from decisions that shape the places they live and work in. In turn, national environmental laws should reflect and support this shared responsibility. 

We’re not asking for handouts. We want the government to help us build sustainable, thriving and diverse regional communities.

Hunter Valley, NSW, resident

The pace of development is accelerating, and planning needs to keep up 

From energy infrastructure to new mines and transport projects, many regional communities of Australia are experiencing a scale of development not seen before in their lifetimes. While most recognise the importance of reducing emissions and diversifying local economies, there is also legitimate concern the speed of development could damage the ecosystems they depend on. 

For example, regional councils and planning bodies are under pressure, often managing overlapping project proposals without the resources or tools to coordinate them well. Proposed reforms to introduce bioregional planning could help manage cumulative impacts most effectively if the plans are developed transparently, with strong national environmental standards and meaningful community input.  

National Environmental Standards set the rules and benchmarks that guide how environmental decisions are made. Embedding the intent of the Standards into the reform bill itself avoids the risk of processes being inconsistent, politically vulnerable, and failing to meet their intended goals. 

What we have left in terms of biodiversity is precious and irreplaceable.

Uralla, NSW, resident 
Community hopes and concerns around how renewables might impact nature and land use, Uralla NSW. Credit: Lyndsay Walsh

Community engagement is essential to building trust 

Across every region we work in, from coal regions to those with agriculture and primary production as their foundation, people are asking for the same thing: early, clear and respectful engagement. They want to be involved in shaping the future, not just responding to decisions after they’re made. 

Good engagement can’t be rushed and should be covered in its own Standard. It needs to be local, inclusive, and transparent – especially when dealing with complex planning issues. Structured dialogue, space for different views and clear feedback loops are essential to making engagement meaningful. 

Staying informed, sharing what we are witnessing on the ground, and engaging in new ideas helps us better support Mount Isa families and individuals in need.

Mount Isa, Qld, resident

What’s needed to make these reforms work for regional Australia 

Our submission to the reform process highlighted several opportunities to improve outcomes through the EPBC Act: 

1. Participatory regional planning 

Our experience working with regions highlights that effective regional planning considers cumulative environmental, social, economic and cultural impacts. Processes should be place- based, participatory and inclusive of diverse local voices including Traditional Owners and communities, who have local knowledge of land, water and climate pressures. 

2. Safeguards around fast-track pathways 

While faster assessments may be beneficial, they should not come at the cost of strong environmental standards or community input. Trust in planning systems relies on transparent, consistent rules that apply to all projects – including large and high- risk developments. 

3. Local benefits from offsets and restoration 

Offset mechanisms provide an opportunity to support environmental repair in the regions they affect. That means investing in locally governed land care and restoration efforts that create jobs, strengthen drought resilience, and go some way in compensating for damage and impacts to local ecosystems. 

4. Embedding First Nations leadership 

It is critical that environmental laws respect cultural values and rights, including Free, Prior and Informed Consent. Recognising First Nations knowledge, governance and land management is essential to ecological restoration and climate resilience. 

5. Adapting to climate risk 

Assessment frameworks must account for a changing climate, not just today’s conditions. Climate risk and future impacts on ecosystems, water and communities should be central to all planning and approvals. 

We will know we are achieving a good energy transition when the environment is protected and nurtured.

Latrobe Valley, Vic, resident

Looking ahead: implementation will be the true test 

Sunset on the Hay Plains, NSW. Credit: Jacqui Bell

Legislation matters, but what matters more is how it’s applied on the ground. For our national environmental laws to be effective, implementation should happen in ways that: 

  • Deliver real improvements for the environment 
  • Support strong, inclusive regional economies 
  • Build public trust through transparency and accountability 
  • Reflect the values and knowledge of local communities. 

Regional Australia is where these reforms will play out – in our forests, farms, waterways, landscapes and towns. The knowledge and leadership already present in these communities is a critical part of getting it right. 

The Economy We Could Have – Webinar

Australia’s economy has delivered prosperity for some, but left many behind. The divides in housing, health, income and opportunity are widening — and they’re not inevitable. They’re the result of decisions, shaped by values and power. 

It doesn’t have to be this way. 

Across Australia and around the world, communities are already building alternatives — from cooperative energy projects and regenerative food systems to new legal frameworks and circular design. These examples show that change is not only possible: it’s already happening. 

In this one-hour session, The Next Economy CEO Lizzie Webb joins lead author Katherine Trebeck to unpack insights from The Economy We Could Have — a new paper that looks under the bonnet of the Australian economy and reveals how we can move beyond isolated ‘Lego wins’ toward a wellbeing economy that prioritises dignity, fairness, connection and ecological care. 

📅 Date: Thursday, 12pm AEST (1PM AEDT), 4 December 2025 

📍 Location: Online 

🎟 Tickets:  This event has already happened – watch the video below!

🎤 Speakers: The Next Economy CEO Lizzie Webb in conversation with lead author Katherine Trebeck.  

🔗 Explore the paper here

Watch the video

The Economy We Could Have: new paper out now

Australia’s economy looks strong on the surface, but behind the averages lie deep divides in housing, work, health and opportunity. Our new paper, The Economy We Could Have, asks what our economy is really designed to do, who it is working for, and how it can support people’s wellbeing.

Australia is at a pivotal moment. While headline statistics suggest strong performance, looking under the bonnet of these numbers reveals widening divides in housing, health, income, and opportunity. Rising inequality and climate disruption demand a closer look at our economic system: what is it designed to do – and who benefits?

The Economy We Could Have explores how Australia’s economic story has shifted over the decades, the divides created along the way, and the alternatives already being built. It sets out practical steps for governments, enterprises and communities to move beyond isolated “Lego wins” and instead embed a wellbeing economy – one that puts dignity, fairness, connection and ecological care at its centre.  

As lead author, Katherine Trebeck, puts it: 

Transformational change is possible. Australia has done it before – from Medicare to minimum wages – and we can do it again.  

The challenge

The paper traces Australia’s shift from predistribution – fair wages and public investment – to a model marked by precariousness, asset accumulation, and financial advantage for a few. It also highlights how system-compliant fixes and short-term crisis responses can stall deeper progress.

One in seven Australians live in poverty. Many face insecure work, unaffordable homes and stretched services that respond to crisis rather than prevent it. These outcomes are not inevitable. They are the result of decisions – shaped by values and power – that have concentrated advantage for some and shifted risks onto others. 

The alternatives

The good news that is change is possible. The economy is a human-made system, and it can be redesigned. Across the country, communities are already showing what that momentum for change is growing. Australians are increasingly dissatisfied with the status quo and open to rethinking economic priorities. 

One promising framework is the wellbeing economy, which according to the Wellbeing Economy Alliance can deliver the following needs: 

Nature, connection, dignity, fairness, participation

There are plenty of examples of these goals already being delivered in practice:

Earthworker Cooperative (Latrobe Valley, VIC)Australia’s first worker-owned factory, producing solar hot water systems to serve its worker-owners. 
Food Connect Shed (Brisbane, QLD): A cooperative food enterprise owned by 500+ ‘careholders’, rooted in equity and regeneration. 
Marlinja Power Project (NT): Community-installed solar panels and battery storage enabling near energy self-sufficiency – an example of climate resilience. 

Governments are beginning to respond. The Federal Government’s Measuring What Matters statement is expanding how national success is defined, incorporating indicators for health, sustainability, and social cohesion. In Victoria, the Early Intervention Investment Framework is embedding preventative health and social approaches into budget decisions, valuing long-term wellbeing over short-term fixes.

Australia’s future depends on whether we can move beyond piecemeal reforms to embrace systemic change. By learning from community-led initiatives and adopting frameworks like the wellbeing economy, we can build a more inclusive, resilient, and caring society – one that works for everyone. 

Read the full report here:

DOWNLOAD REPORT

In Profile: First Nations Hub Network, Forever Reef Project

Partnering for Coral Biodiversity Conservation 

The Next Economy is proud to partner with Great Barrier Reef Legacy on the Forever Reef Project. Our contribution will support the co-design, launch and operation of the project’s First Nations Living Coral Biobank Hub Network—an ambitious initiative to protect coral biodiversity and strengthen regional economies through First Peoples leadership and innovation.

A New Chapter in Reef Conservation 

As the climate crisis intensifies, the need for bold, collaborative action to protect the Great Barrier Reef has never been more urgent. Coral reefs are among the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth, yet they are also among the most vulnerable. The Forever Reef Project, led by Great Barrier Reef Legacy (GBR Legacy), offers a powerful response: a living “Coral Ark” of coral species, safeguarded for future generations. 

There is a clear window of opportunity to act immediately to secure the biodiversity of corals for all reefs, now and into the future. The Forever Reef Project will preserve the genetic biodiversity of hard coral species by collecting and maintaining living samples of over 400 species from the Great Barrier Reef and supporting reef-dependent communities to care for their corals around the world.

Dr Dean Miller, Founder and Managing Director, GBRL Legacy

At the heart of this effort is a commitment to First Peoples leadership. The Forever Reef Hub Network will be a series of purpose-built coral care facilities, managed by Reef Traditional Custodians across  

the Reef’s expanse — from Bundaberg to the Torres Strait. These hubs will not only preserve coral biodiversity but also create jobs, support cultural knowledge sharing and education initiatives, and strengthen Sea Country stewardship. 

The Next Economy’s Role 

The Next Economy (TNE) is proud to support the delivery of Stage 2 of the Forever Reef First Nations Living Coral Biobank Hub Network. Our role focuses on supporting the establishment of the pilot Hub in partnership with Dawul Wuru Aboriginal Corporation (DWAC); and laying the groundwork for development the broader network. 

This work builds on the successful completion of Stage 1, which developed the business model for the Hub Network. Stage 2 is now underway, transitioning the project from concept to reality. 

We’re excited to be making a difference by preserving and nurturing the coral biodiversity of Yirrganydji Sea Country through our cultural lens for our current and future generations.

DWAC Team

Project Phases and Outcomes 

The Forever Reef Hub Network is being developed in three key stages: 

Stage 1: Design (Complete) 

  • Development of the First Nations Living Coral Biobank Hub Network Business Model 
  • Engagement, planning, and analysis (Sept 2022 – June 2023) 

Stage 2: Demonstration (Underway) 

  • Establishment of the Pilot Hub with Dawul Wuru Aboriginal Corporation 
  • Collection and preservation of hard coral species from Yirrganydji Country 
  • Creation of new jobs in aquaculture, facility management, and education 
  • Generation of new revenue from biodiversity conservation and education  
  • Demonstration of education and engagement experiences  

GBR Legacy and Dawul Wuru have completed site planning, ranger training has commenced, educational material is being developed, and revenue raising options are being scoped. Construction is due to commence in August and operations shortly afterwards. 

TNE is supporting the project team to develop opportunities for sustainable revenue generation like access to biodiversity markets and assisting with the co-design of collaboration and agreement making protocols that are culturally appropriate and reflect the team’s aspiration for strong, long-term collaboration and knowledge sharing. 

 Stage 3: Scaling (Future) 

  • Establishment of multiple First Nations Living Coral Biobank Hubs across the Reef  
  • Preservation of all 400+ hard coral species from the Great Barrier Reef 
  • Creation of sustainable jobs and regional economic opportunities 
  • Deepened cultural connection and stewardship of sea country 

More About GBR Legacy and Forever Reef 

GBR Legacy is a not-for-profit social enterprise with over 35 years of experience in reef expeditions, science, and education. The Forever Reef Project is their flagship initiative to preserve the genetic diversity of hard coral species—starting with the Great Barrier Reef and expanding globally. 

Their parent facility in Port Douglas already houses over one third of the Great Barrier Reef’s hard coral species making it the most biodiverse collection of living corals in the world. The goal is to collect and care for all remaining species in collaboration with Traditional Owners, ensuring their survival in the face of climate change. 

To find out more visit: https://www.foreverreef.org 

TNE’s 2025–2030 Strategy 

For the next five years, The Next Economy will prioritise partnerships within critical regions: those that hold the key to Australia achieving net zero by 2035. This includes regions with significant levels of First Nations land and sea stewardship, particularly across Northern Australia.  

TNE’s role working with GBR Legacy aims to support First Nations leadership and participation in coral biodiversity conservation along the Great Barrier Reef, within a model that facilitates economic sovereignty. This project will generate new insights into how First Nations communities can be better resourced to protect and regenerate nature and achieve Australia’s biodiversity and climate goals.

Our Permaculture Life

Episode 16 of Morag Gamble’s podcast Our Permaculture Life

The Next Economy CEO Amanda Cahill shares a conversation with Morag Gamble exploring leadership, transition, power, way-finding, change and resilience.