NZEA Board Communique July 2025

The Board of the Net Zero Economy Authority (the Authority) held its fifth meeting in Melbourne.

The Board reviewed the declared interests of members and confirmed there was one potential conflict with a matter under consideration and agreed a management strategy. 

The Board was joined by the members of the Stakeholder Panel (the Panel) for a roundtable discussion. 

The Board and the Panel members discussed barriers to investment in low carbon and net zero projects, covering a broad range of challenges and opportunities arising from the transition to a net zero economy. The discussion identified a range of issues the Panel could provide advice to the Board on that will be reflected in the Panel’s work plan for the 2025-26 financial year. The Panel will next meet virtually in September 2025. 

The Board discussed progress made as well as next steps to support the transition in our current priority regions of Latrobe, Collie, the Hunter, and central Queensland. The Board recognises the urgency of the transition in each of these regions, especially the importance of attracting investment and job creating businesses into these regions. The Board discussed the potential barriers to such investment with the Panel. 

The Board noted the Government’s forthcoming roundtable on economic reform and discussed reform opportunities it could contribute that would support the realisation of a net zero economy across Australia’s regions. 

The Board discussed the Authority’s key relationships and emphasised the importance of engagement with communities, and bringing a wide range of people, institutions and perspectives together to deliver outcomes.

The Board discussed the draft 2025–26 Corporate Plan and the 2024-25 Annual Report. The Board endorsed the interim Emissions Reduction Plan, which will be published on the Authority’s website and noted that the Plan will be updated as soon as the relevant emissions data becomes available.  

The Board discussed key risks that could impact the Authority’s ability to achieve its missions. The Board approved the Authority’s Enterprise Risk Register and agreed to explore detailed risk management plans at its next meeting. The Board received a detailed presentation on cyber security risks, and its role in managing these risks.

The Board agreed it will next meet in mid-October in the Latrobe Valley. While in Latrobe Valley, Board members will engage with a broad range of stakeholders to deepen the Authority’s understanding of local priorities and concerns in relation to the transition to a net zero economy.  

The Board also agreed its meeting dates for 2026.