Partnering to support regional communities in the clean energy transition

As coal-fired power stations close across Australia, many regional communities face economic uncertainty after decades of reliance on mining.

Senior Research Fellow Dr Simon Wright from the Charles Sturt Gulbali Institute, examined how these regions can transition successfully and build long-term prosperity in a low-carbon economy through a Churchill Fellowship. The study analysed coal regions transitioning in Europe and Canada to identify lessons for Australia, highlighting opportunities for clean energy development and post-mining land restoration in regions including the Hunter Valley, Latrobe Valley, Collie and Gladstone.

The research report was published in January 2025. Since publication, Simon was invited to participate as an expert witness in the Federal Government’s Energy Industry Jobs Plan review in August 2025 and in the NSW Parliamentary Enquiry into Beneficial and Productive Post Mining Land Use.