Work category: Featured news

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

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

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

Here Saideh shares some of her reflections…     

What we’re hearing on the ground 

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

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

Community engagement needs to be genuine 

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

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

Local government belongs at the table 

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

EnergyCo’s mandate and development outside the REZs 

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

Nature and local knowledge 

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

What gives me confidence 

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

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

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

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

What freight decarbonisation means for regional Australia

Land Sector Program Lead Jacqui Bell ponders what freight decarbonisation means for regional Australia off the back of a commercial vehicle decarbonisation summit at Parliament House. 

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

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

Jacqui at Parliament House on Monday 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Questions I’m still thinking about: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The strength lies in the people.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Economy We Could Have – Webinar

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

It doesn’t have to be this way. 

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

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

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

📍 Location: Online 

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

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

🔗 Explore the paper here

Watch the video

The Economy We Could Have: new paper out now

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

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

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

As lead author, Katherine Trebeck, puts it: 

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

The challenge

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

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

The alternatives

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

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

Nature, connection, dignity, fairness, participation

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

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

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

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

Read the full report here:

DOWNLOAD REPORT

New partnership to advance economic justice

Shared with permission from Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation – New partnership to advance economic justice

Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation and economic development agency The Next Economy have announced a significant multi-year partnership to advance economic justice and wellbeing across Australia.

At the heart of this initiative is the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a secure and dignified life. A wellbeing economy goes beyond economic growth alone, it focuses on equity, community resilience, and environmental stewardship. This new partnership hopes to contribute to and encourage a fairer sharing of prosperity by fostering a more balanced distribution of power, wealth, and opportunity.

Australia currently experiences high levels of income and wealth inequality. The top 20 per cent of households receive almost half (48 per cent) of the nation’s income, while the bottom 20 per cent receive only four per cent.1 These disparities have resulted in widespread insecurity, financial stress, delayed medical care, and adverse effects on mental health.

A considerable 63 per cent of Australians feel that the economy is structured to benefit the wealthy and powerful.2 Furthermore, the same economic model that has generated those disparities has led to ecological degradation, with evidence showing the country is close to exceeding at least five out of nine planetary boundaries.3

Peter Walton, Chief Executive Officer at Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation, said “This partnership represents a pivotal evolution in our philanthropic work. Through our Strategy 2030, we are committed to long-term, systemic change in Greater Melbourne by aligning partnerships to purposefully influence and shift current systems that perpetuate inequality.

“By working with The Next Economy, we are strengthening our efforts to create a just and equitable Greater Melbourne, focusing on the intersection of climate justice, economic justice, and housing justice.

“We are now working beyond traditional grantmaking to address the root causes of social and environmental challenges through systemic and future-focused strategies,” added Peter.

Lizzie Webb, Chief Executive Officer of The Next Economy, adds, “We are proud to collaborate with Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation on a multi-year program of work that aims to catalyse economic change in Australia. Over the next three years, we’ll work together to host national conversations and initiatives that build momentum for systems change — placing communities at the centre of economic transformation.”

Time to strike a good deal for communities hosting renewables 

4 August 2025: As Australia undergoes the shift to renewables, rural and regional communities are demonstrating new ways of securing a good deal from large-scale solar, wind and battery projects.  

This is the conclusion of a new report – Striking a New Deal for Renewables in Regions – authored by FRRR and Projects JSA, as part of the Striking a New Deal collaboration. It comes ahead of a first-of-its-kind national gathering of local government and regional development leaders at a Summit hosted by RE-Alliance in Newcastle this week. 

The report draws on insights from leaders in regions with significant renewable energy investments around Australia and outlines the common risks and opportunities facing their communities.  

While the majority of Australians living in regional communities generally support the nation’s shift to renewable energy (CSIRO, FCA, Porter Novelli), the report clearly shows that the first phase of this change has been challenging.  

Leaders have been grappling with significant uncertainty about what will actually be built and when; the local risks and opportunities of these developments for their economy, environment and community; and limited local agency to influence the development process. 

With the need to replace aging coal-fired power stations, state and federal governments have so far been ‘building the plane while flying it’. However, with clearer policies and more projects reaching the approval stage, solutions to common issues have emerged, creating more opportunities for regions to achieve meaningful and lasting benefits from investments. 

Sarah Matthee, Climate Solutions Portfolio Lead at FRRR, noted, “Communities simply want a good deal in return for hosting this new energy infrastructure. They want certainty, more clarity on the opportunities and risks of these projects, more resourcing and more agency in the decisions being made that will impact their regions for decades to come.” 

Lead author, Jack Archer, added, “Development at this scale will never be universally popular, but if locals can see they have been heard and clearly understand how their community will benefit, there can be enduring support for the energy shift in regions across Australia.” 

The report recommends government and industry collaborate to produce risk and opportunity accounts, to act as living ledgers, to make the terms of the local deal clearer. Currently information is fragmented and buried in planning documents, and with misinformation on social media and in local networks, it’s difficult for locals to understand what’s going to happen, if they will be better off and what issues need further work as development progresses. 

The report also recommends combining the transparency of these new accounts with upgrades to community services and housing, ongoing input from local leaders in the development process and genuine security that benefits will be delivered.  

“This set of actions is the key to unlocking the local social licence governments and industry are seeking. It’s a practical approach that can be implemented quickly and it will change the game,” Jack Archer said.  

To read more, access the report at frrr.org.au/reports/insights-reports/striking-a-new-deal. 

About the Striking a New Deal collaboration

Not-for-profit organisations the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal, RE Alliance and The Next Economy, and consultancy Projects JSA are working collaboratively on the Striking a New Deal project to support regional communities at the frontline of the energy transition. Striking a New Deal has worked with community leaders across Australia to share insights and supports initiatives that seek to find a better way to develop renewables in regions. 

About FRRR 
FRRR (Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal) is the only national foundation specifically focussed on ensuring the social and economic strength of Australia’s remote, rural and regional communities. FRRR’s unique model of support is more than money – it connects common purposes and investment from government, business and philanthropy with the genuine needs of rural people and places.   

About RE-Alliance 
The Australian Renewable Energy Alliance, or RE-Alliance, is an independent not-for-profit working to secure a responsible and rapid shift to renewable energy that actively contributes to the strength and resilience of rural and regional Australia. 

About The Next Economy 
The Next Economy, TNE is a not-for-profit economic development agency, working across all economic sectors to support communities manage the transition to a climate-safe, socially just and regenerative economy.   

About Projects JSA 
Projects JSA – Regional Advisory, led by Jack Archer, provides specialised advice on regional development issues in Australia. Jack is one of Australia’s foremost experts on regional development, experienced in policy, strategy, stakeholder consultation and facilitation, leveraging extensive networks and detailed knowledge of each region in Australia. 

Community first for Uralla Shire

The Next Economy and Uralla Shire Council in NSW are teaming up to help the region navigate change and ensure renewable energy development delivers lasting benefits for the community. 

Shared with permission from Uralla Shire Council – A Shire-wide Conversation About Change and Opportunity

Uralla Shire Council is taking steps to prepare for future change in the region and ensure that new development – particularly renewable energy – works for the community in the long term.

Through a project called Striking a New Deal, Council is working to understand what good development looks like for Uralla and how to make sure local priorities are front and centre when planning for how to manage change. This will help Council advocate for the kinds of benefits that matter most to our community – such as essential services, housing, infrastructure, or local job opportunities.

To support this work, Council is partnering with The Next Economy, a not-for-profit agency that supports regional communities across Australia to manage change in ways that are inclusive and locally appropriate. The Next Economy will support Council to carry out community engagement and feed community input into local planning.

In May, Council and The Next Economy spoke with a number of local stakeholders to hear a variety of perspectives on what people would like Uralla to look like in the future. In June, we’ll hold community workshops so that all residents have the opportunity to share their views.

“This is about planning ahead so that development happens in a way that reflects what our community wants. Council can’t control every project, but we can do the work now to represent our region’s interests and make sure we’re ready to shape a positive future together.” – Toni Averay, General Manager, Uralla Shire Council:

“In our work across Australia, we’ve seen that communities manage change best when they’re actively involved in shaping it. It is clear that Uralla residents have a strong sense of identity. By hearing from local voices, council can ensure that future development reflects community values, priorities and aspirations.” – Lizzie Webb, CEO, The Next Economy

To register your interest or stay informed about upcoming workshops, contact esims@uralla.nsw.gov.au

Find out more about our partnership with Uralla Shire Council:

Striking a New Deal for Uralla Shire

An exciting new chapter for The Next Economy

A message from Professor John Wiseman, Board Chair at The Next Economy

  • Dr Amanda Cahill to step down as CEO and remain at The Next Economy in a new Founder role, and as a Board Director
  • Lizzie Webb, current COO and former Board Chair, to step into the CEO role from May 2025
  • The Board has every confidence in a smooth leadership transition, and the organisation’s continued commitment to navigate change and build momentum for a rapid, responsible and fair transition
  • Hear from Amanda, and Lizzie, below

Professor John Wiseman, Chair of the Board at The Next Economy

The Next Economy was established in 2018 in response to growing calls – from community, industry and government leaders – to support regions to navigate the growing disruptions and challenges associated with the need to decarbonise the economy.

Since then, we’ve partnered with communities and decision makers to demonstrate how it is possible to manage change in ways that strengthen social, economic and environmental outcomes.

We’ve worked with regions holding the key to Australia’s transition to net zero emissions, focusing on those with carbon-intensive industries, including the Latrobe Valley (Vic), the Hunter Valley (NSW) and Central Queensland (Qld).

Over the past year, global economic and political systems have grown more complex and unstable. In response, The Next Economy has grown substantially. We have supported a new wave of regions and industries to navigate the transition and stepped up our work to give decision makers across government, industry and the investment community the confidence needed to hold the line on long-term policies and investments at a time of great political uncertainty.

Dr Amanda Cahill and Lizzie Webb with The Next Economy’s board and staff in late-2024

We are now working in regions with the capacity for critical mineral extraction and processing such as in North-West Queensland; communities that produce agricultural commodities while managing renewable energy projects and climate impacts, such as in Hay and the New England Renewable Energy Zone in New South Wales; and with significant levels of First Nations land and sea stewardship, such as in Northern Australia.

None of this would have been possible without the vision and leadership of CEO Dr Amanda Cahill and the dedication of staff, partners and supporters. After seven years leading The Next Economy, Amanda has decided to step out of the CEO role and transition into the new role of Founder.

In this new role, Amanda will continue working within the organisation to provide strategic advice, develop new content, mentor staff, manage key relationships and explore new opportunities for The Next Economy. She will also remain on the organisation’s board as a Director.

The Board would like to take this opportunity to both thank Amanda for her enormous contribution as well as congratulate her on the new role.

For this next chapter, we warmly welcome Lizzie Webb, our current Chief Operations Officer, as The Next Economy’s new CEO. An engineer by background, Lizzie brings 20 years of experience leading start-up organisations and teams in the non-profit and social enterprises sectors, including work with communities across regional and remote Australia.

Lizzie has a deep understanding of The Next Economy, first joining as a board director in 2018, before becoming board chair, and moving into staff roles where she has managed both the organisation’s operations as well as overseen initiatives. Most recently, she led collaboration with Mount Isa City Council on the successful development and launch of the city’s Future Ready Economy Roadmap.

Lizzie will officially assume the role on 5 May 2025 and will be supported by Amanda and the TNE leadership team driving key programs across energy, land use and systems change.

The Board has every confidence in The Next Economy’s new leadership and the organisation’s continued commitment to navigating change and building momentum for a rapid, responsible and fair transition.

In the coming months, you will hear more from both Amanda and Lizzie as we reflect on the organisation’s success to date and direction moving forward.

In the meantime, please join us in thanking Amanda for her extraordinary contributions in establishing The Next Economy and welcoming Lizzie to the helm.


Hear From Dr Amanda Cahill and Lizzie Webb

Long-time colleagues and collaborators, Lizzie Webb (L) and Dr Amanda Cahill (R), are working together alongside the board, staff and partners, for a smooth leadership transition at The Next Economy.

Dr Amanda Cahill, outgoing CEO and Founder, said: 

“It has been an honour and privilege to work with inspiring people all over Australia to establish and grow The Next Economy into the strong, catalytic organisation it is today. I have learned so much from so many people who have been part of this journey that has spanned communities from Cairns in Far North Queensland, to the Latrobe Valley down South and across to Western Australia and even the Northern Territory.

“At this crucial time, when the impacts of efforts to decarbonise Australia are becoming increasingly felt, The Next Economy’s work is more important than ever. People across all sectors and regions, from government officials to industry executives, union delegates to Traditional Owners, small businesses to those who don’t always benefit from economic activities are all asking how can we achieve what we need to do in terms of emission reductions, but do it in a way that ensures the protection and regeneration of both nature and our communities.

“They are asking: What does good economic development look like? This is, and will continue to be, the guiding question for The Next Economy. And I look forward to the next seven years of figuring this out with communities across Australia and beyond.”

Lizzie Webb, incoming CEO, said: 

“Amanda has worked tirelessly over the past seven years to support good decision making and action for a just transition. Her work is greatly respected by regions, government and industry alike, and she consistently works hard to inspire and support the climate and environment movement. We’re delighted Amanda will continue to work with us in her new role as Founder, and continue as a TNE Board Director. 

“Supporting regions to navigate complex change to their economies will remain central to our focus. We have a strong team in place and through our 2030 Strategy we will work with a broader range of regions critical to a just transition in Australia, and integrate a strong focus on economic systems change across all aspects of our work. 

“In the next six months, we’ll be working in partnership with multiple regions in western Queensland and central New South Wales on plans to strengthen their economies and maximise the benefits of new development across the energy and agricultural sectors. We will also commence work on a significant coral conservation project, supporting opportunities for First Nations participation and economic sovereignty.”

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.

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.

Recent events

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).

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. 

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.