The Next Economy

This Groundswell grant supported The Next Economy to help regional communities prepare for the decline of fossil fuel industries and build stronger, more resilient local economies. The funding helped TNE work with communities on transition strategies, connect regions with investment and expertise, and support local leaders to make informed decisions about jobs, industry and the shift to net zero. It also strengthened TNE’s communications and policy work, helping regional priorities shape the broader transition to a climate-resilient economy.

This Groundswell grant supported The Next Economy to strengthen regional leadership in Australia’s transition away from fossil fuels and towards a fairer, low-carbon economy. The funding helped bring regional voices into national climate and energy debates through research, storytelling, policy briefings and direct engagement with decision-makers. Working with communities in places such as Central Queensland, Mount Isa and the Latrobe Valley, the project aimed to show how regions can lead economic change, create new local opportunities and shape a transition that works for people, communities and the environment.

This Groundswell grant supported The Next Economy to build community and political support for the clean energy transition in Central Queensland. The funding helped work with regional leaders to identify economic opportunities, grow public support for renewable energy and show that climate action can create jobs and strengthen local economies. The project aimed to shift the narrative in one of Australia’s most coal-dependent regions and make it harder for political leaders to use regional communities as a reason to delay climate and energy reform.