The Next Economy: Central Queensland Energy Futures
$40,000 | July 2021
What do The Next Economy do?
The Next Economy was established in 2018 to transform Australia’s economy so that the ways we produce, consume, exchange and work protect and regenerate the wellbeing of both people and planet. The primary focus of TNE’s current work is to support action to reduce and absorb carbon emissions across all sectors of the economy while creating new jobs and industries.
Why is this work important?
Australia has everything it needs to address the challenge of climate change – technical solutions, resources and expertise. And yet at this crucial time, we are not on track. Our political leaders remain paralysed by perceived opposition to change, unwilling to set targets and provide meaningful support to reduce and absorb emissions. This inaction is only further fuelling confusion, division, fear and chaos across Australia.
The Next Economy is addressing this challenge by working with leaders from a range of industries, government and other institutions across regional Australia to manage change in ways that lead to meaningful climate action as well as positive social and economic benefits. To date, most of these communities are in regions tied directly to the extraction of fossil fuels.
By working directly with decision makers across regional communities to identify economic opportunities that also reduce and absorb emissions, TNE addresses a current gap in the climate movement. While there are many organisations focussed on WHAT we need to do to address climate change, in terms of researching and promoting technical solutions, and advocacy work and campaigns that focus WHY it is important that we act, very few organisations are working at a regional level to help local leaders work out HOW they can take action in ways that stimulate their economy and create new jobs. TNE is filling that niche to generate tangible economic outcomes for communities across Australia.
How is Groundswell supporting this work?
With Groundswell’s support, the Central Queensland Energy Futures project will demonstrate widespread support for the transition to a clean energy future across one of the most conservative and coal dependent areas of Australia - Central Queensland. In doing so, their aim is to:
Support regional leaders to engage Central Queenslanders to support the acceleration of the energy transition
Generate positive media coverage and growing public support across Australia for action on climate change and to accelerate the energy transition
Undermine the ability of State and Federal politicians to use Central Queensland/regional Australia as an excuse for not implementing progressive energy and climate change reform
Embolden leaders who want to see more action on climate change to speak up, particularly in the lead up to the Federal Election
Grant update
To learn more about The Next Economy’s impact, read our interview with CEO, Dr Amanda Cahill.
