on structured, clear and cross-partisan objectives. Australia’ s roadmap includes transition plans, circular economy policies and programs such as the National Reconstruction Fund and FMAF. These policies give shape to the transition narrative, highlighting how regional communities can be empowered participants in the shift to a manufactured future.
Moreover, governance must be inclusive and participatory. Community involvement in transition planning is a strategic necessity. Without trust and local buy-in, manufacturing projects can face delays, resistance or reputational risks. Equally critical is intergovernmental coordination. Federal, state and local governments must work in concert to streamline planning approvals, align funding mechanisms and avoid policy fragmentation. Regional Development Australia( RDA) networks play a central role in governance. Acting as intermediaries between government, industry, education and community, RDAs help ensure that national policies are locally grounded and that regional voices are heard in policy design and delivery. Their economic development planning, data insights and stakeholder convening functions make them one of the key governance players in the manufacturing transition. This approach also aligns strongly with the mission of Economic Development Australia, which advocates for inclusive, place-based strategies that foster resilient and locally empowered economies.
CONCLUSION Australia’ s regions are endowed with talent, infrastructure and natural assets that position them well for a future shaped by advanced manufacturing. Yet, without clear and coordinated strategies, these opportunities risk slipping away amid the transition to a low-carbon economy. Advanced manufacturing offers a powerful and practical pathway for regional economies to become more resilient, inclusive and innovative. By embracing a modern manufacturing sector that prioritises sustainability, technology and high-quality jobs, regional communities can overcome economic decline and build vibrant, future-ready industrial hubs.
This transformation will not occur by chance. It requires intentional policy frameworks, targeted investment and the active collaboration of governments, industry, education providers and local communities. Communities must act decisively and work in concert to unlock the full potential of manufacturing as a catalyst for regional renewal. Beyond economic growth, this shift will foster social inclusion, environmental stewardship and strengthen Australia’ s global competitiveness in the clean industrial era.
REFERENCES
1. Peter Adey et al, Just Transitions in Australia: Moving Towards Low Carbon Lives Across Policy, Industry and Practice( Report, March 2022) 16.
2. Lance Worrall, Hamish Gamble and John Spoehr, The Circular Economy – International Lessons and Directions for Australian Reindustrialisation( Report, July 2022) 6-7.
3. Price Waterhouse Coopers, Building a More Circular Australia( Report, March 2021) 12.
4. Ibid 13.
5. Future Made in Australia Act 2024( Cth); see also Anthony Albanese and Jim Chalmers,‘ Investing in a Future Made in Australia’( Media Release, Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, 14 May 2024).
6. Adey( n 1) 70-1.
7. See generally Lithgow City Council, Lithgow Emerging Economy Plan( Web Page, 12 June 2025) < https:// www. leep. lithgow. com />.
8. Greenspot, Transformation of the Old Wallerawang Power Station( Web Page, 12 June 2025) < https:// www. greenspot. com. au / projects />.
9. Department of Industry, Science and Resources, Modern Manufacturing Initiative and National Manufacturing Priorities Announced( News, 1 October 2020) < https:// www. industry. gov. au / news / modern-manufacturing-initiative-andnational-manufacturing-priorities-announced >.
10. CSIRO, Port Kembla Hydro Hub( Web Page, 7 August 2023) < https:// research. csiro. au / hyresource / port-kembla-hydrogen-hub />.
11. NSW Government,‘ Heavy Industry Manufacturing Centre of Excellence in the Illawarra backs a future made in Australia’( Media Release, 3 December 2024).
12. Lithgow City Council, Adaptive Skills Hub( Web Page, 12 June 2025) < https:// www. leep. lithgow. com / adaptiveskillshub />.
13. NSW Government, Regional Digital Connectivity Program( Web Page, 14 June 2025) < https:// www. nsw. gov. au / regional-and-primaryindustries / regional-business-and-economynsw / regional-digital-connectivity-program >.
14. National Reconstruction Fund, What We Do( Web Page, 15 June 2025) < https:// www. nrf. gov. au / what-we-do >.
15. Regional Development Australia, Who We Are( Web Page, 15 June 2025) < https:// www. rda. gov. au / about / who-we-are >.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
A Articles / Books / Reports Adey, Peter, et al, Just Transitions in Australia: Moving Towards Low Carbon Lives Across Policy, Industry and Practice( Report, March 2022)
Price Waterhouse Coopers, Building a More Circular Australia( Report, March 2021)
Worrall, Lance, Hamish Gamble and John Spoehr, The Circular Economy – International Lessons and Directions for Australian Reindustrialisation( Report, July 2022)
B Legislation Future Made in Australia Act 2024( Cth)
C Other Albanese, Anthony, and Jim Chalmers,‘ Investing in a Future Made in Australia’( Media Release, Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, 14 May 2024)
CSIRO, Port Kembla Hydro Hub( Web Page, 7 August 2023)
Department of Industry, Science and Resources, Modern Manufacturing Initiative and National Manufacturing Priorities Announced( News, 1 October 2020)
Greenspot, Transformation of the Old Wallerawang Power Station( Web Page, 12 June 2025)
Lithgow City Council, Adaptive Skills Hub( Web Page, 12 June 2025)
Lithgow City Council, Lithgow Emerging Economy Plan( Web Page, 12 June 2025)
National Reconstruction Fund, What We Do( Web Page, 15 June 2025)
NSW Government,‘ Heavy Industry Manufacturing Centre of Excellence in the Illawarra backs a future made in Australia’( Media Release, 3 December 2024)
NSW Government, Regional Digital Connectivity Program( Web Page, 14 June 2025)
Regional Development Australia, Who We Are( Web Page, 15 June 2025)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
RICKY PUATA Ricky Puata is a respected public sector leader with deep expertise in regional economic development, policy delivery and cross-sector collaboration. As Deputy Director of
Regional Economic
Development at the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, he leads a team focused on building sustainable, resilient economies across regional NSW.
Ricky has held senior roles within the NSW Government, delivering major initiatives that address both immediate regional needs and long-term economic goals. He led the NSW Lean Manufacturing Pilot Program, helping local manufacturers improve productivity and remain competitive, and has been instrumental in advancing projects that strengthen partnerships with Aboriginal communities and support industry investment.
His collaborative role in the NSW Government Regional Leadership Executive has improved coordination across agencies, ensuring local priorities are reflected in state-level decisionmaking. Known for connecting local insights with strategic direction, Ricky consistently delivers results through initiatives such as workforce strategies, economic transition plans and business support programs.
Outside government, Ricky contributes to regional innovation through board roles with Regional Development Australia – Central West, the Upstairs Incubator Hub and Cancer Care Western NSW. He holds a Master of Business Law and a Bachelor of Laws with Distinction, reflecting a career committed to high-impact, communityfocused leadership.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT JOURNAL VOL 18 NO 2 2025 15