Work area: Project

Powering the transition while championing diversity

March 5 2025: Reimagining Diversity in Clean Energy Careers 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:    

  1. Foster a thriving workforce development ecosystem: connecting diverse stakeholders, creating the conditions for collaboration while supporting marginalised individuals and regional economies 
  1. Strengthen inclusive career development pathways: providing equitable access and opportunities for all learners and workers 
  1. 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 Energy Careers 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.  

To find out more, read the report here and share it among your networks.

Download Report


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:

Launching the Mount Isa Future Ready Economy Roadmap

The Next Economy, together with Mount Isa City Council and Climate-KIC Australia, is proud to launch the Mount Isa Future Ready Economy Roadmap.  

Mount Isa, like many other industrial regions, is at the crossroads of major economic change. The region has a rich asset base, including the North West Minerals Province, but faces the imminent closure of the Mount Isa Mine’s underground copper mine operations and copper concentrator.  

This closure will impact approximately 1,200 workers from mid-2025 and the future of the local copper industry, a change that needs to be managed alongside increasing demand for critical minerals, affordable and reliable energy generation and storage options, and innovative logistics solutions. Global trade uncertainty and climate impacts further complicate this picture. 

Whether Mount Isa successfully navigates these changes will be critical to the success of Australia’s net zero ambitions, and global decarbonisation goals. 

The Mount Isa Future Ready Economy Roadmap provides a clear and ambitious vision for the future of Mount Isa against this backdrop of regional change, global uncertainty, and new opportunities.  

In this future, Mount Isa thrives. The regional economy enables Australia’s net zero transformation, contributing to the next generation of clean energy and critical minerals exports and processing . Local industry and the community lead innovative solutions to long-standing and emerging challenges, benefiting from a focus on circular economy approaches, decarbonisation, environmental sustainability and regeneration, and social wellbeing.  

This vision is underpinned by the application of the Future Ready Economy Framework. This Framework has been designed by The Next Economy and Climate-KIC to assist decision-makers in regions like Mount Isa to assess economic opportunities against six key dimensions of positive and resilient development. 

Along with regional stakeholder engagements and expert input, the Framework has informed the development of future ready development pathways, strategies and potential actions for Mount Isa’s five key economic sectors—energy, mining, transport, agriculture and tourism—and the foundations of a thriving community. 

By adopting a future ready lens to regional economic development, Mount Isa is ensuring that today’s planning and investment decisions position the region for long-term success. 

With the right planning and investment from key partners, including the Queensland Government and Australian Government, and industry, Mount Isa can pursue these pathways and become a global player in a decarbonising world. 

To find out more, download the Mount Isa Future Ready Economy Roadmap.

Mount Isa has a proud history of innovation and mining excellence which can continue to thrive with the right investment and collaboration between industry, government and the community. Photo: Chris Grose.

Mount Isa launches economic roadmap to create jobs, secure future

[Press Release from Mount Isa City Council, shared with permission here]

Mount Isa, North West Queensland: Mount Isa City Council has launched the Mount Isa Future Ready Economy Roadmap, a bold new economic vision to transform and diversify the local economy while delivering immediate jobs and long-term benefits for its residents.   

Despite a rich asset base, including the North West Minerals Provinces’ $680-billion in known in-ground resources, many of which are key for Australia’s clean energy and future-technology capabilities, Mount Isa faces significant challenges due to its remoteness and dependence on a major employer. 

Up to 1,200 jobs losses loom as Glencore winds down underground copper operations at Mount Isa Mines from mid-2025. As one of the city’s largest employers, this threatens a sharp decline in the city’s current 19,000-strong population and its ability to remain the service centre for the North West. 

The Mount Isa Future Ready Economy Roadmap presents 28 pathways and nearly 400 potential actions for local stakeholders, industry, government and community to strengthen and diversify the economy across energy, mining and minerals, transport, agriculture, and tourism. 

Developed by Council with The Next Economy and Climate-KIC Australia, and with input from more than 100 industry, business, government and community contributors, the Roadmap also focuses on ways to support decarbonisation, climate adaptation, circular design, regenerative practices, and community well-being.

Key elements of the Roadmap include:

  • Supplying critical and strategic minerals the world needs to decarbonise, leveraging Mount Isa’s mining expertise and its gateway position to the North-West Minerals Province, rich in cobalt, graphite, vanadium, rare earth elements and important metals such as copper. Noting, retention of workforce capability and current industry assets is foundational to new industry development. 
  • Producing and storing affordable, reliable renewable energy, particularly in innovative ways, with Council already working with Green Gravity and Glencore to explore repurposing legacy mining assets for gravitational energy storage systems. 
  • Ensuring the timely completion of CopperString 2032 to connect Mount Isa to the national energy grid, unlocking opportunities for renewables, to decarbonise industries, and expand critical minerals mining and processing and other industries. 
  • Improving transport and logistics infrastructure as a key enabler for industry and liveability, also to mitigate risks from extreme weather events like the recent floods. This includes common-user rail infrastructure, road upgrades, and innovative solutions such as airship freight which is already being explored. 
  • Future-proofing and growing tourism and agriculture industries, with actions to build the resilience of local beef grazing operations as well as local multi-day tourism adventures to explore the region’s unique landscape and culture.
  • Improving social services and community infrastructure, including much-needed childcare facilities, affordable housing and specialist healthcare for residents and as the main service centre for the North West.

The Roadmap showcases Council’s existing commitment to economic development, such as the establishment of The Australian Critical Minerals Industrial Precinct, the Critical Minerals and Rare Earth Elements Research Centre with UQ, and a battery anode material facility for graphite production.

However, Mount Isa can’t do it alone. Council is calling on the Queensland and Australian governments to back Mount Isa’s future – and its significant contribution to the economy as Australia decarbonises – with multi-billion-dollar investment and tailored coordination and support. 

Peta MacRae, Mount Isa Mayor, said: “The pending closure of Glencore’s underground operations is a huge loss for Mount Isa, but when one door closes, many more are opening to protect our workforce and build the industries, infrastructure and services we need for the future. 

“We have a strong economic vision and plan. Council is already working with partners to unlock opportunities in new technologies and services. However, bold assistance from the state and federal governments is needed for Mount Isa to remain a great place to live, work and do business.”

Tim Rose, Mount Isa City Council CEO, said: “Mount Isa is very rich in critical minerals and rare earths, yet we face challenges with remoteness and huge costs for power and transport. It’s time to embrace new technologies to generate low-cost and clean power so our mining sector keeps running and we can keep the lights on in our communities.”

“With global uncertainty and the challenging nature of mining, Mount Isa offers an ideal location to de-risk and unlock the critical and rare earth minerals the world needs to decarbonise while adding value to our region. With the right investment and support, we can unlock further investment and keep punching above our weight for the national economy.”

Liz Webb, The Next Economy COO and project lead, said: “Business-as-usual economic development is no longer enough for historic mining regions like Mount Isa, grappling with major industrial upheaval taking a heavy toll on local workforces and economies. 

“The Roadmap is the exact sort of initiative the Future Made in Australia bill is designed to support. New industry development is complex and takes time. Mount Isa is ready for this challenge, and will be successful with the right coordination, support and investment. 

“The Roadmap showcases Mount Isa’s commitment to tackling urgent challenges in ways that secure long-term success. With a proud community, industry collaboration, and renowned innovation, Mount Isa is poised for a future ready economy that requires a new era of collaboration and investment from industry and government.”

Jason Nielsen, Climate-KIC Australia Director Strategic Projects and project lead, said: “A prosperous and sustainable future for Mount Isa depends on collaboration and coordination between companies, government, and the community. The speed and complexity of economic and social change make siloed efforts ineffective. 

“It is critical that stakeholders see the interconnected and systemic nature of the problems and opportunities ahead, such as infrastructure development and workforce attraction and retention, and develop new ways of working together towards common goals. The Future Economy Roadmap is one of several important local initiatives to support and guide this process.”

Mount Isa’s Future Ready Economy Roadmap is available via Council’s website mountisa.qld.gov.au.

Strengthening Hay and Carrathool – Resilience Plan launched!

This week, the Hay and Carrathool Shire Councils launched the Hay and Carrathool Regional Drought Resilience Plan. The Plan is designed to identify strategic focus areas and priority actions to strengthen regional resilience. Convened by both councils, the Plan is the result of an extensive seven-month collaboration involving more than 300 community members, industry representatives, and government stakeholders. 

The Plan envisions a future where, by 2035, the communities of Hay and Carrathool are equipped to navigate climate, environmental, social, and economic challenges while remaining strong, connected, and vibrant. It sets out a strategic path for ensuring safe and thriving places to live, work, and raise future generations. 

Hay Shire Mayor, Carol Oataway, acknowledged the immense community effort behind the Plan and the commitment of local people to shaping their future. 

“This level of community engagement reflects the leadership and strengths of this vibrant region and demonstrates the passion that local people have for its future,”

Carol Oataway, Mayor of Hay Shire

With five core strategies—Inclusive & Empowered Communities, Future Ready Businesses, Reimagined Care Economy, Placemaking with Purpose, and Coordinated Action for Climate Resilient Economic Development—the Plan identifies 26 priority actions, each with partners to lead and drive progress. 

Key actions include setting up community hubs where people can connect, working groups so businesses can “share” employees, innovative ways to provide care to groups that need it, an initiative to collect and use environmental data, a housing strategy, and a roadmap to diversify and strengthen the regional economy.  

Already, the Plan has sparked action across the community. To really bring its vision to life, collaboration between local government, businesses, and residents will be essential in addressing risks and capturing emerging opportunities. 

“We’re the ones who know what our region needs… State and federal governments need to support regionally led solutions like ours.”

Carol Oataway, Mayor of Hay Shire

The Next Economy and the Australian Resilience Centre worked with the Hay and Carrathool Shire Councils and local communities to deliver the Plan. It has been developed as part of the Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program, which is jointly funded by the Australian Government and NSW Government under the Future Drought Fund. 

Hay Shire Councillors John Perry and Geoff Chapman, along with Mayor Carol Oataway and Alison McLean, Executive Manager for Economic Development and Tourism, are pictured with Jacqui Bell and Doug Ruuska from The Next Economy.

Download the plan  

The Hay and Carrathool Regional Drought Resilience Plan is available from the Australian Government’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/hay-and-carrathool-rdr-plan.pdf 

A summary of The Hay and Carrathool Regional Drought Resilience Plan is available below.

DOWNLOAD THE SUMMARY

For more information contact Jacqui Bell – j.bell@nexteconomy.com.au

See more like this: 

Primary producers in Hay, Carrathool help shape NSW region’s economic future

Mixed signals and missed champions: regional transition trends

(October 2024) Across Australia, communities are leading the transition to net zero – navigating multiple, compounding disruptions along the way – after years of minimal action or even discussion on climate change at a national level.

TNE’s Jacqui Bell, Dr Katherine Trebeck and Dr Amanda Cahill share key insights, ranging on topics from regional transition trends to nature and land use trade-offs to wellbeing economy principles, at the 2024 Better Futures Forum in September 2024. Photo credits: BFF/Gab Connolle

Here are five key trends or themes Dr Amanda Cahill, CEO of The Next Economy, and the team has observed in recent months: 

  1. Missing champions: The lived experiences of communities actively navigating the transition—experimenting, innovating, and addressing local needs—are often missing from the national conversation. From a community group in Gympie installing solar panels on local infrastructure to support vulnerable populations, including domestic violence shelters, to energy companies focused on creating long-term community benefits like housing, there are so many people getting on with it. We should be celebrating and learning from them. 
  2. Mixed signals: Regional communities are largely committed to the transition, but mixed signals from state and federal governments are not only frustrating they’re also undermining confidence to move forward with the real work. While there’s more investment in renewables and policies for net zero today than even a few years ago, new fossil fuel projects are still being approved even when expert bodies like the International Energy Agency say fossil fuel use must peak by 2025.  
  3. Models questioned: One of the most striking trends is the growing shift in how people think about the economy. For example, beyond day-to-day concerns like the cost of living, more communities are questioning the broader purpose of the economic system itself. The key question being asked is: if the economy isn’t directly benefiting local communities, what is its real value? Another question that keeps coming up is why development proponents decide whether their project will have social and environmental impacts on a community instead of a single, independent process and regulator. This shift in perspective signals a deeper rethinking of what good economic development really looks like. Read more: Rethinking economic responses: tackling the root causes of today’s challenges
  4. Many forms: The net zero transition is taking different shapes for different communities. For example, Mount Isa in Queensland is exploring how they can help the world to decarbonise and what it will take to develop their critical minerals processing potential while navigating the complexities that come with it. Meanwhile, in Hay and Carrathool in NSW’s Riverina region, communities are exploring how they are moving towards a future in agriculture and land use that’s both resilient to the impacts of climate change while responding to the decarbonisation of global supply chains. 
  5. Moving forward: We are now in the implementation phase of the net zero transition. It’s going to be challenging for a while, but we need to stay on course and remember that the decisions we make now really do matter. Right now, the infrastructure we invest in, the industries we promote and support, and how we build the capacity and mechanisms to ensure enduring community benefits, are all going to determine whether we reach our 2050 net zero goals – let alone the more ambitious ones that the science tells us we should be striving for. We can find a way forward that works for people and the planet.

The good news is, we have the knowledge, technology, skills and resources to draw from, we just need to get on with it. 

TNE staff at Heading Upstream Lab in August 2024, where leaders driving change across Australia convened to explore ways to put people and the planet first when it comes to the economy.

Five ways to empower regions in clean energy workforce development 

The Australian Government can play a key role in helping regional communities prepare for the economic changes brought on by the clean energy transition. 

As many clean energy jobs will be concentrated in regional renewable energy zones, building the capacity of regional communities to manage development, attract investment for enabling services and infrastructure, and address workforce challenges is essential. 

With effective resources and support, local stakeholders can lead efforts to create training programs, support services, and initiatives that ensure a skilled and diverse workforce while fostering sustainable regional development.

In September, The Next Economy provided a submission for the National Energy Workforce Strategy Public Consultation process. In it, we identified a range of insights on increasing inclusivity in the clean energy workforce (read more here), as well as five examples of actions that already are or have to potential to empower regions in clean energy workforce development: 

  1. Coordinate planning and development of clean energy projects, associated infrastructure and other industries within a region. Regional coordination and phased planning can manage workforce demand and support worker mobility. Co-locating new manufacturing and industry precincts within renewable energy zones also have the potential to stabilise clean energy workforce demand and create lasting careers. Developers and industry benefit from these approaches with clear roles, responsibilities, and timelines, along with cost certainty and transparent infrastructure investment programs.

    For example: the Victorian Planning Authority (VPA) works with councils, government departments and the community to provide employment, transport, public space and housing planning in the context of an increasing population. The VPA has identified the staged development of housing lots and required infrastructure such as roads and utilities. 
  2. Develop place-based training and education initiatives and partnerships: that aggregate skill and expertise demand from across sectors and co-designs and delivers courses with industry in a region. 

    For example: in the Upper Spencer Gulf, Uni Hub is working with local industries to ensure their needs are connected with training providers and potential students.
  3. Support local businesses to adapt and scale up their operations for greater participation in the sector. In many regional areas where new energy development is proposed, the scale of workers required outstrips the local labour market. In addition, the essential services and infrastructure required to support workforce and population growth are limited or non-existent. 

    Currently, local content requirements from state governments are aimed to drive regional economic benefits. However, often insufficient existing workforce capacity, the cost to prepare businesses to be ready to tender for clean energy development contracts, and uncertainty around long-term work security all limit the capacity of local businesses to scale their operations and bring on new workers.

    For example: TNE’s work with Hay and Carrathool shire councils on climate adaptation and economic transition this year has shown that local businesses are interested in tendering for large renewables projects but lack the capacity and resources to adapt. Uncertainty around work pipelines, contracts, timing, and qualifications prevents businesses from scaling, investing in workforce development, or hiring. Early engagement and ongoing support are crucial for scaling regional workforce development. Accessible, up-to-date local data is needed to improve transparency, workforce planning, and equitable recruitment strategies.
  4. Provide resources for local government and local stakeholders: to carry out the feasibility and business planning activities necessary to develop the case for investment in local services, coordination activities and infrastructure. 

    For example: in the Cradle Coast Region, developers are working together to address housing shortage as they understand it is a key constraint to renewable energy development. In Gladstone, the economic roadmap process delivered by the local council identified the lack of birthing facilities as a key barrier to retaining workers once they are married and look to start families. Improving access to health services in Gladstone is seen a core strategy to retain the workforce. In NSW, the Murrumbidgee Council has negotiated to improve health services through the community benefit agreement.
  5. Embed additional capacity within local governments: to manage and coordinate regional clean energy related activities. Regional local governments play a key role in coordinating clean energy activities, managing community benefits, and supporting the infrastructure and workforce needs of the energy transition. In Renewable Energy Zones, local governments are dedicating significant resources to these tasks, often diverting attention from regular operations due to limited funding and staff. Many are handling large, complex projects unseen in their region for decades, requiring new expertise to manage the technical, legal, and managerial aspects of energy development.

    For example: An NSW Government initiative is providing $250,000 of funding for local governments to carry out planning over the next 3 years is an example of the type of support required; however additional and enduring funding (for the duration of the energy infrastructure development in the region) is necessary to cover the true cost that local governments will bear to manage the energy transformation effectively in their region.

To find out more, read more about our Inclusive Clean Energy Workforce project. 

Increasing inclusivity in the clean energy workforce

New research from UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF) and the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) shows the electricity workforce alone needs to double within five years to meet Australia’s 2030 renewable energy target. More than 80 per cent of these roles will be in renewables, with energy storage jobs soon surpassing domestic coal and gas sectors.

This research highlights the big opportunity to address workforce shortages, especially in regional areas, by fostering inclusive policies that ensure equitable benefits and meaningful employment across all communities. Prioritising inclusion and equity in workforce development is key to a just and fair transition toward a net-zero future for all Australians.

Read more:  Can we improve inclusiveness in the clean energy workforce?

In September, The Next Economy provided a submission for the National Energy Workforce Strategy Consultation Paper. We identified five examples of actions that already are or have to potential to empower regions in clean energy workforce development (read more here) alongside the following key insights:

The benefits of enhancing diverse participation and meaningful employment

Every Australian should benefit from clean energy development, including the opportunity to access and meaningfully participate in the workforce. Research shows Australia’s clean energy workforce, like many other industries, has room to improve in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Factors like competition with other industries and projects, lack of training, the characteristics of clean energy jobs, and insufficient regional consultation contribute to workforce shortages in the sector overall.

Greater attention to diversity, equity and inclusion in workforce development carries broad benefits. Companies who have engaged in inclusive hiring processes have reported benefits such as access to a larger talent pool, higher retention and satisfaction rates, improved workplace culture and greater performance and productivity. In turn, inclusive and equitable workforce development practices facilitate pathways into jobs for people who often face systemic barriers to employment. It also promotes greater workforce diversity, fosters a workers’ sense of belonging and inclusion, enhances health and social outcomes and ensures workers are treated with respect and dignity and more likely to be retained. 

An opportunity to power First Nations Jobs

The clean energy transformation is an opportunity to increase workforce participation of First Nations Peoples. The Powering First Nations Jobs in Clean Energy report, by the First Nations Clean Energy Network, is a detailed resource that identifies pathways and options for First Nations Peoples to be supported to enter the clean energy workforce and access quality job opportunities and career pathways as they emerge.

Consistent, long-term Government investment in job readiness and business support programs that are led and codesigned by and for First Nations Peoples is needed. Such investment can support the scaling of efforts underway by the private sector in implementing partnerships and employment pathway programs tailored to First Nations Peoples. For example, in the Department of Defence’s Shoalwater Bay Training Area, Downer Defence worked with a range of partners to deliver training programs and initiatives that support small and medium sized Indigenous businesses to enter and thrive in the defence industry.

Support for migrants, refugees, people with a disability and those recently out of prison

Our research has found that affordability of training, lack of awareness around the need for workforce equity and inclusion, misconceptions about abilities, procurement requirements, development speed, and the culture of clean energy workplaces, all impede on the diverse participation in the clean energy workforce. 

Strategies tailored to people and their unique context can drive greater participation in the clean energy workforce for different groups. These include building awareness, inspiration and attraction to clean energy careers across diverse populations, improving access to affordable higher education, ensuring ‘wrap around support’ is available for people transitioning into work, cross sectoral collaborations and partnerships, and fostering a workforce culture that is inclusive and values the abilities and contributions of all. 

The rapidly growing clean energy sector is well poised to develop a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce at the scale and pace required to achieve national targets. Other related sectors have experienced the benefits of a diverse and inclusive workforce over the years and developed significant body of knowledge on how to support workforce development in an inclusive and equitable way. The clean energy sector has the advantage of drawing on this existing knowledge and ensure that opportunities in the clean energy workforce benefits all Australians.   

Read more: 5 ways to empower regions in clean energy workforce development

Mount Isa’s Future Ready Economy Roadmap: A stronger, more resilient future 

Mount Isa in Queensland’s Gulf Country region is preparing for a critical decade with the development of its Future Ready Economy Roadmap.

Mount Isa is preparing for a critical decade with the development of its Future Ready Economy Roadmap. Stakeholders across government, industry, and the community have already contributed to shaping this crucial work, highlighting its significance to the region’s future. The Roadmap, set for release in February 2025, will outline simple and practical steps to diversify and decarbonise the local economy, build resilience, and improve social wellbeing. 

The Roadmap is an initiative between the Mount Isa City Council, who commissioned and funded the project, and The Next Economy with support from Climate-KIC. 

Mount Isa Mayor Peta MacRae said: “This initiative unites the voices of the community, industry, and government to create a strategy that addresses current challenges as well as harnesses new opportunities. As Mount Isa looks ahead, the Roadmap will serve as a vital guide, ensuring the region remains a vibrant, resilient place to live and work for years to come.” 

A region facing increasing challenges and emerging opportunities 

Climate-KIC’s Jason Nielsen with The Next Economy’s Reanna Willis and Kate Donnelly enjoying a Mount Isa sunset in-between workshops earlier this year.

Reanna Willis, senior project officer at The Next Economy, said: “Mount Isa is facing growing challenges, from mass job losses to regional connectivity to access to childcare and health services. It’s a critical time for the region to be exploring how to strengthen and diversify the region’s economy in ways that work for the community into the future. 

“The people of Mount Isa get it. They know that, if this change is managed well, there will be more opportunities to improve the liveability, attractiveness and viability here. The region is well-positioned to capitalise on emerging opportunities including in critical minerals and renewables as well as strengthen existing industries like tourism. Realising this vision will require significant coordination, collaboration and strong investment from industry, government and the community.” 

Council’s efforts towards economic diversification 

Mount Isa City Council discuss priority areas where support is needed to build a stronger, more resilient future at a The Next Economy workshop in October 2024.

Mount Isa City Council is already taking proactive measures to drive economic diversification. Through detailed economic analysis, the Council has identified 60 stimulus projects designed to retain skilled workers and strengthen the local economy.  

In October, in an Australian first, Council signed a memorandum of understanding with French-Canadian aeronautic company FLYING WHALES to establish a base for large capacity airships to transport heavy or bulky loads such as wind turbine parts. A technical feasibility study and business case is underway. (Read more in this ABC article)

Another notable initiative is the development of a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), supported by $6.06 million from the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund. Expected to be operational by 2025, the MRF will establish Mount Isa as a recycling hub for the North West. 

Engaging with the community 

A series of workshops with stakeholders across government, industry and community in 2024 will help shape the Roadmap.

In September, The Next Economy held a series of meetings to gather feedback from First Nations people and community service organisations, ensuring the Roadmap reflects the needs and aspirations of the entire community. The Next Economy hosted a further workshop in October with Council to develop pathways to attracting the right attention and support behind local opportunities and priorities. 

Michelle Paulsen, Remote Operations Manager at Centacare North Queensland, was among those who participated in a series of community workshops earlier this year. She highlighted the importance of staying informed about the local economy’s changes and their impact on the community: 
 
“From emergency relief to supporting families and children, the demand for Centacare’s services is being affected by changes in the local economy and resources industry. 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.  
 
“The workshops were a valuable opportunity to contribute to Mount Isa’s growth and future. Expanding my understanding of circular economy opportunities has given me greater insight into new areas of economic growth. I encourage anyone who cares about Mount Isa’s future and wants to support our local community to get involved.” 

Get in touch to find out more about the initiative

Contact us

Can we improve inclusiveness in the clean energy workforce? 

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.  

What’s a Wellbeing Economy?

We ask Dr Katherine Trebeck, Economic Change Lead at The Next Economy

In a nutshell, what is a wellbeing economy?

An economy designed deliberately to work for people and the planet, not the other way around as so often seems to be the case today.  It’s about creating a context in which people thrive, first time around, rather than having to deploy loads of resources trying to fix and repair after damage has been done. This means initiatives that speak to the purpose of the economy, prevention, predistribtion (not just redistribution), and a people powered economy.

So, it requires thinking about what activities we need more of because they help create that context and finding ways to expand those activities: being selective about what is growing, rather than pursuit of any sort of growth.

Are there any examples of using this framework successfully? If so, how?

Think about the wellbeing economy not so much as a framework, but more as a paradigm. It requires a substantial shift in how the economy is thought about and approached. It is about seeing the economy as a mechanism to meet our real goals, and certainly not something to which all other goals are subservient. Not only are we seeing a growing conversation and emerging such as the Wellbeing Economy Alliance initiatives where people are coming together to promote the agenda or its component parts, but there are loads of examples of governments and enterprises making the sort of changes that are necessary. For example:

  • Multidimensional measurement dashboards (Australia’s Measuring What Matters statement is an example of this) and support for social enterprises (the recently announced Social Enterprise Development Initiative, for example)
  • Circular economy production and public transport systems
  • Community or worker owned businesses such as the Earth Worker Cooperative in Victoria
  • Considering the environmental cost of the things we buy. 

The challenge is that while there is no shortage of examples, often they are the exception that proves the rule. One nice illustration of the potential for this is seen in the Community Wealth Building work happening in places like Cleveland in the US and in Preston in the UK (plus in various parts of Australia too). In Preston, there has been research which shows the council’s efforts to procure locally, to support local businesses and local employment has meant the local economy has been more resilient, but also people’s mental health and reported personal wellbeing has improved. 

How might the principles of a wellbeing economy help address current challenges posed by high cost of living pressures?

A key feature of a wellbeing economy approach is to look at the root causes of an issue, and not just respond crisis to crisis, symptom to symptom. 

So in terms of cost-of-living pressures and high housing costs as a key part of that, a wellbeing economy approach would entail examining the way the housing market operates – who owns the houses? What taxes and incentives encourage the sort of ownership patterns that are forcing up prices? Why aren’t there more community housing cooperatives and other modes of providing housing in Australia? 

It would then step back and reflect on what the ultimate goal is – shelter for people in Australia’s towns and cities. It would then think about what needs to change in the economy for more people to have access to good quality shelter – perhaps that means shifting taxes to discourage people owning more and more homes as investment devices? Perhaps that means changing planning laws to enable more community groups to co-own housing? Perhaps that means ensuring homes are built with high energy efficiency standards so once people move into them, they aren’t spending huge amounts on heating and cooling them.

And speaking of energy efficiency, a wellbeing economy approach is also about being ambitious for flow-on benefits – so if housing is being built, can it help address environmental challenges by needing less carbon and using more recycled materials? Can it help address equity and inclusion by being built by companies employing local people, which have gender balance in their teams, and which pay living wages etc? And can it help roll out models of enterprise that have a social purpose at their heart, so could the houses be owned by a housing cooperative?

How might Australia adopt a wellbeing economy framework? What are the steps that need to happen?

There’s a precondition for government acting – that’s people talking about it, and being able to imagine an economy that serves them, not the other way around: an economy that doesn’t generate so much inequality and put so much pressure on the planet. That will be helped by learning about examples of this in practice, even in small scale. Then policy makers need to step in to design the rules of the game so those good examples are common place.

What would a state or federal budget for a wellbeing economy look like?

It would use things like taxes and subsidies to support the sort of activities which are good for people and planet, and to discourage those that aren’t. In other words, it would ask what we need more of and how can mechanisms in the budget help cultivate them?

With the support of the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation, The Next Economy is convening an ‘Upstream Lab’ to explore the economic root causes of many of today’s challenges, including how to take action where there is scope to prevent harm happening in the first place. More details to come as we roll out this exciting initiative.

Find out more:

On the wellbeing economy, is Australia at risk of dropping the ball? Opinion piece by Dr Katherine Trebeck in Croakey Health Media, 14 May 2024

The Wellbeing Economy in Brief, Dr Katherine Trebeck and Warwick Smith, Centre for Policy Development, February 2024

Primary producers in Hay, Carrathool help shape NSW region’s economic future 

More than 80 primary producers and community members joined both Hay and Carrathool shire councils and The Next Economy (TNE) at a series of workshops to explore barriers and opportunities for strengthening community resilience and driving good economic development in the region.  

Situated within Australia’s renowned ‘food bowl’ in the Riverina region of southwest New South Wales, the Hay and Carrathool Shire communities boast a rich legacy in agriculture and primary production. 

The five workshops, held between 8 and 12 April 2024, brought together representatives from local businesses, community organisations, community services and primary production to identify what makes the region work now as well as opportunities and potential directions for good regional development that drives a strong, vibrant and climate resilient future. 

Feedback from workshop participants included:

It was great to see so many community members turn up and be involved.

and

It was good to feel like community members are important in decision making. 

The workshops marked the official start of extensive community engagement activities as part of Hay and Carrathool Shire Councils’ development of the 10-year Resilient Economy Roadmap initiative.  

The Roadmap will outline practical actions councils, business, industries and communities can take over the next decade to diversify their economies while building resilience in the face of change and disruption. This includes economic, social, cultural and environmental resilience. 

The project comes at a pivotal moment for the region as communities navigate a range of growing challenges and disruptions, including rising living costs, climate impacts from recent flood events to prolonged droughts, and the impact of the decarbonisation of global supply chains. 

Jacqui Bell, TNE’s Land Use Director, said:  

“These communities have a golden opportunity to stay strong now and into the future. To do that, they’re coming together to identify how to overcome barriers, diversify economies and build resilience. 

“The level of engagement with the Roadmap project demonstrates the region has a network of strategic local leaders and champions who are passionate about their communities, economy and the future of the region.   

“Community members, business owners and representatives from the primary production industry we’ve engaged with so far are constantly adapting and innovating in response to changes in the local climate and global economy.  It was great to see such overwhelming interest in working collaboratively to shape the region’s future.”  

The Resilient Economy Roadmap initiative is a collaboration between Hay and Carrathool Shire councils, The Next Economy, The Australian Resilience Centre, and communities across the region.  Running from March to October 2024, it is funded jointly by the Australian Government and NSW’s Future Drought Fund and is part of the Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program. 

To stay up to date on the project, follow the Resilient Economy Roadmap Facebook page.  For further project information, please contact j.bell@nexteconomy.com.au 

What next? Community perspectives on Latrobe Valley’s energy transition

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.

Download Here

Mining towns want plan for energy transformation

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.

Guest: Dr Amanda Cahill, CEO The Next Economy and author of What regions need on the path to net zero.

Duration: 12min 42sec
Broadcast: Sat 21 May 2022, 8:20am (the morning of the federal election)

Saturday Extra interview with Dr Amanda Cahill on the morning of the federal election

Energising the Future Economy of the Gladstone Region

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.”

Full media release below:

Media ReleaseDownload

Transforming Queensland: The Case for a Transition Authority

The Queensland economy is being transformed as the world embraces the challenge to phase out fossil fuels and rapidly expand renewable energy generation in pursuit of net zero emissions goals. As one of the world’s biggest exporters of coal and gas, and with an ongoing reliance on coal fired electricity generation, these changes pose huge risks to the Queensland economy. They also present us with massive economic opportunities, given the state’s abundance of solar, wind and mineral resources.

The experiences of other regions and countries demonstrates that change can be managed well, but it requires a high degree of leadership, resourcing and coordination from government. Transition authorities have proven a successful vehicle to support governments in this task by bringing together stakeholders from across government, industry and the community to plan and coordinate efforts to proactively manage the phase out of fossil fuels and expansion of renewable energy.

Download

Have your say: Energising the Future Economy of the Gladstone Region

Gladstone locals are invited to share their thoughts on the future energy system and how the region can take advantage of emerging changes to generate new economic opportunities at upcoming community forums hosted by The Next Economy, on 19 and 20 March, 2022.

Listen to our CEO, Dr Amanda Cahill on local radio talk about the importance of having your say.

These forums are part of a new initiative of Gladstone Regional Council – Energising the Gladstone Region’s Future Economy. Feedback from community, government, industry and other stakeholder groups will guide the Council on what is required to adapt to a changing energy sector and to support our region over the next ten years.

“This project is leading the way in Central Queensland, using an inclusive and interactive planning process to tackle the challenges and opportunities of the energy transition.  We’ll be designing a roadmap for the Gladstone Region over the next ten years to help navigate changes in the energy sector that directly impact the local economy,” said Dr Amanda Cahill, Chief Executive Officer of The Next Economy.

“We are already seeing a lot of change across Central Queensland. The Gladstone Region is particularly well positioned to take advantage of new economic opportunities as we shift to new energy solutions, but we also need to plan ahead to manage the potential impacts on our regional economy and build community resilience,” added Dr. Cahill.

Attendees at the community forums at Agnes Water on Saturday 19 March and Gladstone on Sunday 20 March will explore the impact that changes to the energy system are having on the region and have their say about what they want for the future.

Gladstone Region Deputy Mayor Kahn Goodluck said The Next Economy will present the most recent information on energy trends, as well as how renewable energy and other emerging technologies have the potential to boost the local economy.

“The forums will cover topics such as supporting and developing the local workforce, energy affordability, diversifying the economy, and protecting land and water resources,” Clr Goodluck said.

“For those who prefer an online option, we encourage you to join the online forum on Wednesday 30 March.”

The Gladstone Regional Council initiative is delivered in partnership with The Next Economy and is made possible with funding from the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund.

We welcome everyone to participate in the forums, whether you’re an interested resident, First Nations representative, worker, farmer or local business owner. The forums are free to attend, but registration is essential to ensure that we can organise the forums in line with COVID-safe practices.

For more information and to register, please visit Gladstone Regional Council here:

Energising Gladstone Region’s Future Economy

Event details

Date: Saturday 19 March 2022
Location: Agnes Water
Time: 9am to 2.30pm
Venue: Agnes Water Community Centre
71 Springs Rd, Agnes Water

Date: Sunday 20 March 2022
Location: Gladstone
Time: 9am to 2.30pm
Venue: Philip Street Communities and Families Precinct,
Maxine Brushe Rooms, Gladstone

Date: Wednesday 30 March 2022
Format: Online community forum
Time: 6.00pm to 9.00pm

Queensland Government Energy Transition Roadshow

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.

Stanwell Energy Corporation strategic advice

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.

Energy transition community forum

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.

Central Queensland Energy Futures Summit

By Dr Emma Whittlesea

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 Energy Future Summit
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.

Download the report

What Queensland Wants Report

Regional Perspectives on Building a Stronger Economy

By Dr Amanda Cahill

As the COVID pandemic hit, The Next Economy compiled the many economic stimulus ideas we’d collected from across Queensland into a report called “What Queensland Wants”. The report was well received by the State government, with a number of the recommendations being adopted as election promises.

The report also generated extensive media and public interest when it was released, garnering more than 62 media mentions, articles syndicated across 19 regional News Limited publications, 5 radio interviews and a regional television interview. The media attention in turn generated further interest from state and federal MPs.

Download the report

MIW Reef Resilience Project

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: 

  1. Provide a deeper understanding of current challenges and enablers for the food, agriculture and land use transition in the Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday region; 
  2. Establish a range of priorities to inform the Sustainable Table Fund (formerly Ripe for Change); and
  3. Identify broader investment opportunities.
TNE MIW Reef Resilience Report_010721Download the report