Despite what the polls might say, there is strong and growing support across regional Queensland for an economy sustained by action that reduces and absorbs emissions across all sectors of the economy. The Next Economy has directly engaged over 450 Queenslanders in a series of community forums since the last Federal election to gather ideas on economic stimulus ideas that will also accelerate the transition to zero emissions. In this presentation, Dr Amanda Cahill will present the findings of this consultation and the range of existing and emerging economic opportunities being explored by regional areas. She will also reflect on the processes of engagement used to build inclusive, productive and safe spaces for collaboration between industry, government, workers and communities and offer some suggestions on how the findings from this work can support economic recovery efforts in the era of COVID-19.