“Hay sits at the intersection of significant geographic, economic and climatic transitions – a position that brings challenges and opportunities.”

Those were the words of Hay Mayor, Carol Oataway when she spoke about Council’s 10-year plan as the final draft of Shaping Hay’s Future – a 10 Year Economic Transition Roadmap was presented to Council at its March meeting.

“Isolation, climate extremes and limited infrastructure are real constraints, but they also drive creativity and bold action,” Cr Oataway said.

“I am honoured to be Mayor of Hay at this moment in our long, proud history, and to share with you this Roadmap for our future.

“From the outset, I want to be clear. While Council co-ordinated this work with the support of The Next Economy, this Roadmap belongs to the Hay community.

“You shaped it.

“You guided it.

“And you will be the ones who bring it to life.

“The world around us is changing – in society, in our climate, and in Australia’s energy system.

“Much of that change is outside our control.

“Across energy, agriculture, industry, transport and our homes, shifts are already underway.

“What we do with that change is up to us.

“We realised early that we needed to be in the driver’s seat – for change to happen with us, not to us.

“Good planning takes time, which is why we’re acting now with a 10-year, community-led economic transition roadmap.

“Our economy is more than numbers on a page.

“It’s people, connections, livelihoods and the landscapes we care for.

“We’ve always been proud stewards of our land and community, and this Roadmap builds on those roots so we can seize opportunities, manage change well and achieve the future we want.

“This Roadmap reflects countless hours of conversations, workshops and interviews with hundreds of Hay locals, who shared their wisdom quietly and generously.

“There’s a lot to do, and it is challenging work at times, but we’re already moving.

“The groundwork is happening and real momentum is building.

“Now we need the whole Hay community to be part of it – whether you’ve been involved from day one or you’re just now joining us.

“This Roadmap will only succeed if all of us work together to deliver it.

“This includes Council, residents, businesses, other levels of government and partners, as well as those that may be new to Hay – new residents, visitors and representatives of emerging businesses and industries.

“Council will do what we can to represent our community, to facilitate and to support.

“Realising this vision, however, requires leadership and action from all of us.

“This is the legacy we’re creating for future generations – let’s make it the very best it can be.”

The Roadmap outlines a range of actions under seven strategic levers that target critical points in Hay’s economic system to create lasting impact.

It also outlines roles and responsibilities for local government, businesses, industry, investors, educators, researchers, NGOs and community members – all who have a role to play in shaping Hay’s future.

The Roadmap builds on two key foundations: the Regional Resilience Plan and the Early Insights Paper.

The Regional Resilience Plan sets out long term strategies for social, environmental and economic resilience, while the Early Insights Paper captures research and community engagement findings regarding the economy that informed this Roadmap.

“Together, they provide the evidence base and whole of system frame for economic transition,” Cr Oataway said.

“By focusing on resilience and shared value, Hay can build an economy that supports people and protects the landscapes and way of life we value.”

Council expects to launch the 10 Year Transition Roadmap to the community in late April, followed by strategic engagement with industry, investment, philanthropy and government around key levers and actions.

The Roadmap represents the next stage of work arising from the Hay and Carrathool Regional Drought Resilience Plan and the Economic Transition Early Insights Paper, which together established the foundation for understanding the region’s economic system and the changes currently shaping it.

“The Hay and Carrathool Regional Drought Resilience Plan provides the overarching strategic foundation for strengthening the region’s economic, social and environmental resilience,” General Manager, David Webb said.

“Developed through engagement with more than 300 regional stakeholders, the Plan established a shared 2035 vision and identified priority strategies to help the region respond to climate pressures, economic change and emerging opportunities.

“A key outcome of the Plan was the recognition that strengthening the region’s long-term resilience requires deliberate economic diversification and coordinated action across multiple sectors.

This article appeared in The Riverine Grazier, 1 April 2026.