Work category: Events

Book launch and events for Regional Energy Transitions in Australia: From Impossible to Possible

Regional Energy Transitions in Australia: From Impossible to Possible is out now. Join us at one of the many launches happening across the country from 5 March 2025.

It’s time for an honest conversation on the state of the energy transition, the remaining challenges, and what regions need to manage impacts and capture long-term benefits.

Australia is at a critical juncture in the energy transition. Once deemed impossible, the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy is now well underway. For the transition to be just and sustainable, it is vital that regional communities, those at the forefront of change, are listened to.

The newly released book, Regional Energy Transitions in Australia: From Impossible to Possible, provides an in-depth look at the challenges and successes of energy transitions in five key Australian coal regions: Port Augusta, the Latrobe Valley, Collie, the Hunter Valley, and Central Queensland.

With insights from over 20 contributors—including government officials, academics, industry experts, and community leaders—this book is an essential read for anyone invested in Australia’s energy future. It was co-edited by Dr Gareth Edwards, Professor John Wiseman, and Dr. Amanda Cahill, CEO of The Next Economy.

Attend a book launch event near you

Gladstone, Central Queensland – Date change to 7 May 2025

📅 Date: Wednesday 7 May 5pm – 7pm AEST
📍 Location: Rex Metcalfe Theatre, Leo Zussino Building (Building 3), CQUniversity, Gladstone Campus
🎟 Tickets: Get tickets here

🎤 Speakers: An honest conversation with Mayor Matt Burnett (Mayor of Gladstone Regional Council), Dr Amanda Cahill (book editor and CEO of The Next Economy), Kristy Marks, Economic Development Manager for Gladstone Regional Council and Craig Jones (Chief Financial Officer at Alpha HPA).

Recent events

Melbourne, Victoria

📅 Date: Wednesday, 5 March, 5pm – 7pm AEDT
📍 Location: Forum 3, Melbourne Connect, 700 Swanston St, Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia 
🌍 Host: Melbourne Climate Futures with The Next Economy
🎟 Tickets: Get tickets here 

🎤 Speakers: An honest conversation chaired by Professor John Wiseman alongside fellow book editors Dr Gareth Edwards and Dr Amanda Cahill, Sharan Burrow (Former General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation) and Dan Musil (Book contributor and Secretary, Earthworker Cooperative).  

Latrobe Valley, Victoria

📅 Date: Tuesday 11 March, 6pm – 7.30pm AEDT
📍 Location: Morwell Innovation Centre, 1 Monash Way, Morwell
🎟 Tickets: Get tickets here

🎤 Speakers: An honest conversation with Dan Musil (Latrobe Valley chapter contributor), Chris Buckingham (CEO, Latrobe Valley Authority), Josie Hess (Environment Victoria, award-winning filmmaker) and Jeffrey Jacquet (Global Director, Global Coal Transitions Research Network).

Hunter Valley, New South Wales

📅 Date: Wednesday, 12th March, 6pm – 7.45pm AEDT
📍 Location: NUspace, The University of Newcastle (Room TBC), Newcastle
🌍 Host: Institute for Regional Futures
🎟 Tickets:  Get tickets here

🎤 Speakers: An honest conversation with Amanda Cahill (book editor and CEO of The Next Economy), Associate Professor Liam Phelan (book contributor, University of Newcastle), Warrick Jordan (book contributor and Policy Specialist, the Australian Climate and Biodiversity Foundation), and Professor Kate Senior (Acting Director, the Institute for Regional Futures).

Sydney, New South Wales

📅 Date: Thursday, 13th March, 5pm – 6pm AEDT
📍 Location: Seminar Room 203, RD Watt Building, Camperdown
🌍 Host: Sydney Environment Institute with The Next Economy
🎟 Tickets:  Get tickets here

🎤 Speakers: An honest conversation chaired by Professor Susan Park (Professor of Global Governance, University of Sydney), with Dr Gareth Edwards (book editor, Visiting Associate Professor, University of East Anglia), Kimberley Crofts (book contributor, Researcher and Service Designer), and Dr Elianor Gerrard (book contributor, Institute for Sustainable Futures).

Brisbane, Queensland

📅 Date: Tuesday, 1st April, 5.15pm – 6.30pm AEST
📍 Location: Room 0M08 (enter via lift in Atrium), UQ City, 308 Queen Street
🎟 Tickets: Get tickets here

🎤 Speakers: An honest conversation with Trevor Gauld (Deputy Commissioner of Jobs and Skills Australia), Dr Amanda Cahill (book editor and CEO of The Next Economy), Liz Young (Research Director of the Queensland Decarbonisation Hub at Centre for Policy Futures, UQ), and Carly Quinn (General Manager People and Strategy at Gladstone Regional Council).

Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

📅 Date: Thursday, 10th April, 5pm – 7pm AEST
📍 Location: Law Link Theatre, Fellows Lane, Australian National University, Canberra
🎟 Tickets: Get tickets here

🎤 Speakers: An honest conversation hosted by Professor Frank Jotzo with David Shankey (CEO of Net Zero Economy Authority), Dr Amanda Cahill (co-editor and author, CEO of The Next Economy), Associate Professor Bec Colvin (researcher on energy transition at ANU), and Jo Evans (former Deputy Secretary of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water).

What you’ll learn from the book

Regional Energy Transitions in Australia captures vital insights from communities that have navigated the transition away from fossil fuels over the past decade. It shows that: 

  • All energy transitions are local. They must be shaped by the histories, cultures, and needs of the communities most affected. 
  • Justice is key. A just transition means supporting workers and communities, including through re-employment, retraining, and early retirement options. 
  • Leadership and coordination matters. Strong governance, inclusive participation, and long-term policy stability are essential. 

Regional case studies 

Five coal regions featured in the book offer a powerful story about energy transitions in practice: 

  • Port Augusta, SA tells a story of community optimism and renewable investment tempered by inadequate support by state and federal governments.
  • The Latrobe Valley, VIC grappled with unplanned coal-fired power station closures and built resilience through rapid community and government collaboration. 
  • Collie, WA provides a powerful example of inclusive participation in transition planning, championed by First Nations Elders. 
  • The Hunter Valley, NSW has shown the importance of local coalitions working together to put community needs on the agenda during a complex regional economic transition.  
  • Gladstone, Central QLD demonstrates the importance of inclusive and locally driven engagement to shift from fossil fuels to renewable industries. 

Praise for the book

This collection presents a unique set of insights into how energy transition can be achieved at the regional level.

Prof. Frank Jotzo, ANU

“From ‘impossible to possible’ is a testament to hope and tenacity. The lessons learned from these regions demonstrate that the support of and co-creation with workers and community, along with government support, make the difference.”

Sharan Burrow, Former General Secretary
International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC)

Get your copy

Purchase Regional Energy Transitions in Australia: From Impossible to Possible now via Routledge. 

📖 Order here: Routledge or Amazon. 
🎟 Use the code 25AFLY1 for a 20% discount on hard copies via Routledge. 
🛒 Available soon in paperback and electronic formats. 

Stay connected

Don’t miss out on upcoming events and insights! 

Join the conversation and be part of Australia’s just and sustainable energy transition. 

About the editors

Dr Gareth A.S. Edwards
Dr Edwards is Visiting Associate Professor at the University of East Anglia and Visiting Fellow at the Sydney Environment Institute. His research focuses on environmental governance, climate justice, and the socio-political dimensions of environmental change.

Professor John Wiseman
Professor Wiseman is a Professorial Fellow at the University of Melbourne’s Climate and Energy College and Chair of The Next Economy. He has extensive experience in public policy research, particularly in the areas of climate change, sustainability transitions, and social justice.

Dr Amanda Cahill
Dr Cahill is the CEO of The Next Economy, supporting communities in building resilient and sustainable economies. She has worked across Australia and internationally on projects related to economic development, energy transition, and social change. 

Building a wellbeing economy: A deep dive with Sandrine Dixson-Declève

As part of The Next Economy’s mission to reimagine Australia’s economic future, we are excited to co-host Sandrine Dixson-Declève, co-president of the Club of Rome and Executive Chair of Earth4All, during her visit to the country in late October 2024. 

A global thought leader in sustainability and economic transformation, Sandrine will offer critical insights at a pivotal moment for Australia. With debates around emissions, energy, and housing intensifying, her perspective on building a wellbeing economy that addresses both environmental and societal challenges will be invaluable. 

In this Q&A, Sandrine explores the political, social, and global dimensions of creating a fairer, more sustainable future.

Join Dixson-Declève in Australia for the Survival Guide for Humanity – October dates and ticket information here.  Read more about TNE’s work on economic systems change:  
Sandrine Dixson-Declève, head of the Club of Rome, will visit Australia in October 2024.
What is Earth4All and what are some of the key points from that project?  

Fifty years ago, The Limits to Growth warned of the dangers of pursuing endless growth on a finite planet. Earth4All is a collective of economic thinkers, scientists and advocates from across the world building on the legacy of that report in the light of the interlinked crises we’re seeing today and setting out the changes we need to address them. We’ve used the latest computer modelling techniques to explore two future scenarios for the planet: one in which we carry on with business as usual – we call this Too Little, Too Late – and one where societies embark on a new path to a sustainable world by 2050, the Giant Leap. The results were published in 2022 in Earth for All: A Survival Guide for Humanity.   

What we have found is that the Giant Leap scenario is still achievable, but to get there the world needs nothing less than five extraordinary ‘turnarounds’: ending poverty, addressing inequality, reaching gender equity, transitioning to clean energy and making our food system healthy for people and planet. The case for this is evident when you see the immoral windfall profits made by the fossil fuel companies and industrial agricultural producers on the back of growing energy and food poverty. These issues need to be addressed together and must go hand in hand with an upgrade of our current extractive economic system to one that centres human and planetary wellbeing, not endless growth.  

Earth4All outlines bold steps toward a fairer, more sustainable future. How do you gauge the political and social feasibility of implementing such systemic changes?   

It’s clear that economic growth isn’t serving the majority. Societies are more unequal than ever; wellbeing is low and social tensions are on the rise. People are feeling the impact of the climate crisis.  

This year we undertook a major survey of G20 countries to understand public attitudes to our proposals for changing the economic system. We found that a strong majority of people want change: over two thirds of people think the goal of the economy should be human and planetary wellbeing, not just growth. The same proportion think we should implement a wealth tax on the very rich to fund changes to our societies. And we found that over half of people supported all our policy proposals for improving wellbeing, from investing in green energy and public healthcare, to a universal basic income. So socially, these changes are absolutely feasible, but politicians need to catch up with public opinion.

There are hopeful signs in the achievements of wellbeing governments like Iceland, Scotland, Finland, New Zealand Costa Rica and Wales, but there is much more to be done to get wellbeing economy proposals to the top of the political and policy agenda.  

What do you see as the main obstacles to transitioning to a wellbeing economy, and how can governments and institutions overcome them?  

We’re seeing the rise of misinformation and democratic backsliding. It’s clear that the public wants better wellbeing, a fairer economy, but our recent survey results also show a lack of trust in government to make good decisions, especially in Europe. The current crises are already being exploited by far-right populists proposing false solutions. We need to protect and reinforce strong democracies to ensure policies that truly benefit the majority. Increasing citizen participation, for example through citizen’s assemblies, is one way to rebuild trust.  

We also know that the transformation of our economies and societies will be disruptive. We need to change everything, and fast, and that will cause shocks. But these shocks will be less painful if we prepare for them with resilient systems.

We also have to remember that the cost of inaction on climate change, poverty and inequality are higher that the cost of action now, so governments and policymakers need to ensure that the transition is fair and provides the essentials as soon as possible and before 2030.

That’s why one of Earth4All’s policy proposals is a Universal Basic Dividend, a kind of universal basic income, that will help absorb some of the shocks of this transition period and bring the majority on board with the changes we need.   

How can Australia and other countries ensure the shift toward sustainability and a wellbeing economy addresses global inequalities, especially in the Global South?   

Many of the inequalities we see today globally are the result of an international financial system that is outdated, immoral and unjust. And this system is perpetuated by rich countries who consistently refuse to take bolder action on debt. Wealthy countries must cancel debt to low-income countries and support urgent reform of the global financial architecture so that these countries can take full advantage of their own resources and invest in the policies and infrastructure needed to increase wellbeing.  

Consumption in wealthy countries also needs to be addressed. In the case of Australia, it needs to tackle both its fossil fuel exports and the level of emissions and consumption. Australia has done well at taking up, for example, rooftop solar, and there are many incredible circular economy businesses in the country [The Federal Government’s Measuring What Matters initiative is a welcome step towards bringing a wider range of outcomes to the fore]. But Australia also has some of the biggest houses in the world, the environmental impacts of flying are rarely discussed (and in many locations there aren’t good public transport options), and there is huge scope for making more buildings more energy efficient. 

Ensuring First Nations communities benefit from renewables projects is also critical.

In your view, how can technological innovation support the goals of a wellbeing economy, and what risks should we be wary of in the process?   

AI and other technological innovations have huge potential for advancing the goals of a wellbeing economy – ensuring decarbonisation and optimising energy and water use through smart technologies and innovations, but the digital sector also has to seriously reduce its own emissions. 

Most importantly we must ensure that the use of these technologies is focused on improving people’s lives, not just lining the pockets of the few. Left unchecked, these innovations risk exacerbating existing inequalities.   

We must also be wary of leaning too heavily on technological solutions to global crises. Our focus should be on the root causes of the polycrisis and shifting away from an extractive, GDP-focused economy to one focused on wellbeing, empowerment and addressing inequality, and that is something that technology alone cannot fix.   

What key international trends or movements (good or bad) do you see emerging around sustainability and wellbeing economics, and how can countries like Australia learn from or contribute to these global shifts?   

Conversations about wellbeing economics are no longer on the fringes, we’re seeing them happening in more international institutions and businesses – the World Economic Forum, OECD, the US Business Roundtable have all spoken out about the importance of other priorities besides growth. 

Regarding sustainability we are seeing a two-speed approach: on the one hand you have backlash against ESG in the US but on the other you have more and more companies realising that sustainability across their business models and their value chains is the only way to build resilience to future shocks and stresses. My worry is that as a growing number of companies know decarbonisation is our future, many incumbents, especially the fossil energy companies, are backtracking. 

Then of course there are the examples of countries like Finland, Iceland, Wales, New Zealand, Costa Rica and Scotland that are implementing elements of wellbeing economics into their policies, like tracking complementary growth metrics beyond GDP.  

Building broad movements with both high-level champions and grassroots support is crucial, as well as consistently celebrating positive visions of a wellbeing economy in the country to bring people on board.

Katherine Trebeck [pictured below, The Next Economy], the instigator of the Wellbeing Economy Governments partnership (WEGo) recently published an Earth4All deep-dive paper exploring their experiences and what can be learned from them.

Katherine Trebeck, The Next Economy’s Economic Change Lead and instigator of the Wellbeing Economy Governments partnership (WeGo).
In the Australian context, what unique challenges or opportunities do you see in advancing the wellbeing economy, and what are you most looking forward to exploring during your visit here?  

69% of Australians think that the country’s economy should prioritise the health and wellbeing of people and nature – this is pretty close to what citizens are saying across the G20. There is clearly an appetite for wellbeing economy proposals, and this is fantastic opportunity to centre them. Australia has no shortage of good examples to build on, whether that is pioneering businesses such as circular economy initiatives or employee-owned enterprises, or community banks or the growing community wealth building agenda. There are many creative innovators coming up with technological solutions. Various levels of government are starting to create multidimensional wellbeing frameworks to widen conceptions of success.  

Now is an important time, when many people realise that business as usual cannot carry on but are unsure about what changes need to be made and are even anxious about that change. I look forward to talking with people about the need for change and the benefits it can bring, advancing the conversation in Australia alongside partners already doing fantastic work in the space like The Next Economy, and together building momentum towards a wellbeing economy.  What we need now is to show Australians and citizens across the globe is that there is a plausible alternative future, one which reverses negative environmental and social tipping points, and Earth4All’s Giant Leap scenario shows the way. 

Join Dixson-Declève in Australia for the Survival Guide for Humanity – dates and ticket information here.  

Join Sandrine Dixson-Declève in Australia for the Survival Guide for Humanity  

As part of our mission to reimagine Australia’s economic future, The Next Economy will co-host Sandrine Dixson-Declève, co-president of the Club of Rome and Executive Chair of Earth4All, during her visit to Australia this October. 

Dixson-Declève is an internationally renowned thought leader. She leads the Club of Rome’s Earth4All program and recently co-founded the System Transformation Hub.   

Building a Wellbeing Economy: A TNE conversation with Sandrine Dixson-Declève

Among her many appointments, Dixson-Declève serves as an ambassador for the Wellbeing Alliance (WEAll) – an international collaboration working to transform the economic system co-founded by The Next Economy’s very own Dr Katherine Trebeck.  

Read more about The Next Economy’s work on economic systems change:  

In a time when Earth has crossed multiple planetary boundaries and inequality is driving instabilities in societies worldwide, Dixson-Declève offers vital insights into how we can navigate these challenges.  

Sandrine Dixson-Declève, head of the Club of Rome, will visit Australia in October 2024

Trebeck, TNE’s Economic Change Lead, said: “Sandrine’s visit comes at a crucial time for Australia. Debates around our emissions, our energy future, housing, and the cost of living are raging, but they often miss a critical element: what sort of economy needs to be built to enable the society we want on the planet we need?  

“Sandrine has an incredible vantage point on this question and does not just offer a reality check on the implausibility of business as usual. She brings a suite of ideas for change and examples of tangible hope.”  

Opportunities to hear from and meet Sandrine while she is in Australia include:  

Canberra: Wednesday 23 October (6 to 7pm AEDT), ANU’s Planetary Health Equity Hothouse will host a public lecture. Register

Online via Zoom: Thursday 24 October (11am AEDT), Dixson-Declève joins The Australia Institute to explore critical issues and her work on Earth for All, a survival guide to humanity. Register

Melbourne: On Monday 28 October (5.30 to 7.30pm AEDT), join Dixson-Declève and the Centre for Policy Development at the State Library of Victoria. Register  

Building a Wellbeing Economy: A TNE conversation with Sandrine Dixson-Declève

Rethinking economic responses: addressing the roots of challenges

MORE than 20 leaders driving change in communities, the economy, and government across Australia have come together to discuss ways to put people and the planet front and centre when it comes to the Australian economy.

The two-day retreat in Melbourne in August, part of The Next Economy’s new Heading Upstream Lab and supported by Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation, explored how change happens in Australia and the barriers and opportunities for addressing the economic roots of our challenges. 

Dr Katherine Trebeck, Economic Change Lead at The Next Economy, said:

“Heading Upstream saw some of the best thought leaders in Australia thinking about the economy differently and how it can be shaped to be socially just and sustainable. This paradigm shift involves redefining what we expect the economy to deliver, focusing on what societies need more of, where, and how.

“The retreat revealed a shared commitment to tackling the systemic roots of Australia’s challenges, shifting the focus from reactive responses to proactive, upstream change. It stressed a need to change how we talk about the economy, and recognised the importance of fostering broad, engaged conversation, to ultimately change mindsets.

“Economic decisions often fail to address the root causes or consider the connection between issues, which leads to ineffective solutions or policies that merely patch-up damage once it has been done. This is despite the evidence linking our economic structure to impacts on our health, poverty and inequality as well as environmental damage.

“Action on the economic roots of issues, and considering the interconnections between them, can lead to effective solutions in the short and long-term. This is nothing new, with various schools of thought having highlighted the flaws in treating the economy as an isolated goal for decades. And First Nations communities long demonstrating an approach that acknowledges the interdependence of people, planet and the economy.”

TNE staff at the first-ever Heading Upstream Lab
Change leaders came together to discuss Australia’s economy
There was space for meaningful conversations and new ideas

Insights and recommendations from the retreat will be published later this year. To stay up to date, subscribe to The Next Economy’s newsletter.  

Read more: 

What’s a wellbeing economy? Q+A with our Economic Change Lead Dr Katherine Trebeck, May 2024

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

Decarbonising regional economies: Leaders join forces to break down investment barriers

Senior leaders in investment, state and federal government, industry, and local community groups came together in Gladstone, Central Queensland to identify ways to solve regional just transition funding barriers and facilitate timely resourcing to where it is needed most. 

As the global race to decarbonise economies accelerates, Deloitte Access Economics estimates that over $400 billion of private and public investment is required to transform Australia’s emission-intensive economy into a productive, competitive net-zero economy by 2050.

The Gladstone Transition Investor Experience, which ran 6 to 9 May 2024, shone a spotlight on the transition in the Gladstone region. Like other key regions across Australia, Gladstone’s economic ties to emissions-intensive industries present both significant climate-related transition risks and major opportunities to develop and diversify the local economy for long-term resilience and prosperity.

Read more: 

  • In 2022, Gladstone Regional Council worked with The Next Economy to develop the Gladstone Region Economic Transition Roadmap: 10-Year Roadmap 2022-2032.
  • The Federal Government’s recently made a critical minerals project funding announcement, including $400 million in new loans for Alpha HPA’s high-purity alumina processing facility in Gladstone.
  • A summary of The Next Economy’s address to a special senate committee hearing on bills relating to the Net Zero Economy Authority.

Participants connected around the key issues and opportunities that exist in the transformation of regional economies like Gladstone, through a range of site visits, roundtable discussions, guest presentations, workshops, and networking activities.

The Gladstone experience was a great way to get under the hood of a transitioning region, hear from industry and decision-makers regarding the levers that are being pulled to make change. We had access to a curated group of individuals and organisations, each pulling for change.

Participant

The event is hosted by The Next Economy (TNE) in partnership with the Investor Group on Climate Change (IGCC) and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR). Following further engagement, TNE will publish a summary of key findings and recommendations identified at the event in mid-2024.

Here’s what some of the organisers had to say ahead of the event:

Regional communities and industries are increasingly facing complex challenges and opportunities as they navigate the transition to a net zero economy. From developing new industries and technologies to supporting governance and welfare models, government and private investment is critical to setting regions up for the future. 

The Gladstone Transition Investor Experience connects senior leaders from across government, investment, industry and community to have the meaningful conversations needed to solve funding barriers and facilitating the timely flow of resources so regions can get on with the job.

Dr Amanda Cahill, CEO TNE

Each year, FRRR receives thousands of grant applications, which demonstrates that remote, rural and regional communities want to be in the driver’s seat when it comes to their region’s future. That applies to energy and climate transition too.

The Gladstone Investor Experience is bringing together key organisations who can help address the challenges that emerge when navigating rural energy transition. We’re delighted to be part of this event and look forward to exploring how different types of funding and investment can help just transitions to occur and ensure that regional communities have a better seat at the table and are engaged in designing the opportunities.

Natalie Egleton, CEO of FRR

Members of the Investor Group on Climate Change have a legal obligation to deliver good retirement savings for around 15 million Australians. A fast and fair transition will deliver the best returns to allow people to retire with dignity, but that won’t happen by accident.

Without planning and co-ordination Australia’s transition will become disorderly and increase the costs to everyone.  We’re supporting the Gladstone Transition Investor Experience because credible regional transition plans and essential for delivering the capital needed to support this transition to net zero emissions.

Erwin Jackson, Managing Director of Policy at Investor Group on Climate Change

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 

Webinar: What Regions Need

The Next Economy hosted a report back and Q&A along with special guests, Professor John Wiseman and Dr Gareth Edwards on Wednesday, 11 May 2022.

Just Transitions Strategies

Case study examples, reports and resources (Click bolded titles for link)

Australian reports and resources

International reports and resources

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

2020 Richard Jones Memorial Lecture

Turmoil and uncertainty seem to abound everywhere we look as people feel increasingly insecure about their futures and grieve the loss of faith in our crumbling institutions. But what if the current disruptions to our political, economic and social systems hold the potential for the emergence of an economy that can not only provide for the wellbeing of all people, but is centred on tackling the biggest ecological challenges that threaten our very existence? What would this regenerative economy look like and where is it emerging across the world? And what would it take to tackle the political dynamics in this country that continue to relegate so many positive initiatives to the margins?

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Sense Making in a Changing World – episode 14

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Sense Making in a Changing World – episode 16

Hosted by Morag Gamble, global permaculture ambassador, Sense Making in a Changing World explores ‘What Now?’ – what is the kind of thinking we need to navigate a positive and regenerative way forward, what does a thriving one-planet way of life look like, where should we putting our energy?

Impact Boom – episode 238

Impact Gathering: Supporting Women In Impact-Led Business

Impact Boom helps people and organisations unleash their greatest potential to create positive social impact. They work across the ecosystem to create the right conditions, resources, tools and programs to help people tackle social and environmental challenges, changing the world for the better.

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Impact Boom – episode 171

Dr Amanda Cahill On Proactively Addressing Community Issues & Acting On Climate Change

Impact Boom helps people and organisations unleash their greatest potential to create positive social impact. They work across the ecosystem to create the right conditions, resources, tools and programs to help people tackle social and environmental challenges, changing the world for the better.

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Impact Boom – episode 24

Robert Pekin & Emma-Kate Rose On Cultivating Community Driven Social Enterprise

Impact Boom helps people and organisations unleash their greatest potential to create positive social impact. They work across the ecosystem to create the right conditions, resources, tools and programs to help people tackle social and environmental challenges, changing the world for the better.

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Australia reMADE: The reMAKERS

Episode 5

Hosted by Lilian Spencer, Communications Lead for Australia reMADE, ewMAKERS is a new conversation that asks, ‘what is the best version of us, and how do we actually build it?’ How can we be more collaborative, transformative and ambitious? How can we help change systems, not just treat symptoms?

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Towards 2040 | A conversation series

We know that social change happens when ordinary people start having conversations with those they know and trust.

In this Towards 2040 webinar series, Amanda Cahill talks to a range of experts to explore how we can have the most effective conversations about climate change to take actions that will inspire others and in a way that empowers people to take action.

View the series on YouTube

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.