Amplifying messages about food for a better world
How can our energy transition serve people and nature? And what resource can be developed that informs Australians about what they and others can do to help achieve this? That was the challenge Australian Conservation Foundation and WWF-Australia came to us with in late 2024.
We designed a collaborative process that combined ACF and WWF’s deep policy expertise with Currie’s strategic communications skills.
We began by aligning on clear objectives, roles, and responsibilities. Together, we developed and distributed a survey to a group of ‘critical friends’ across the nature and renewables sectors. The survey gathered important insights and perspectives, while also deepening our understanding of where the sectors were aligned, opening up opportunities for future collaboration.
Using the survey results and priority materials identified by ACF and WWF, we created a discussion paper that outlined key decision points and proposed a structure for the report. This structure was refined through a co-design process, and Currie developed a development plan based on the agreed framework.
Lead authors from ACF and WWF provided advice on what angle to take and content to include, and during the draft development direction around how to incorporate feedback.
Currie drew on this expertise to draft and later revise a compelling and accessible report that was delivered as a designer-ready document. ACF and WWF managed the final report design and launch.
This division of labour maximised the strengths of each organisation and enabled the delivery of a comprehensive, high-quality report within a tight timeframe.
The process culminated in a shared and unified position between ACF and WWF on how Australia’s renewable energy transition can work for both people and nature. This resulting report, Our Renewable Future – a Plan for People and Nature, launched in April.
Martin Zavan at Campaign Republic has praised the report for its “vision-led messaging” that “turns awareness into belief and belief into action”. It outlines a practical and inspiring vision for aligning renewable energy development with environmental protection and details how all levels of government, industry, and community can support this transition. With the combined reach of ACF and WWF’s 2.8 million supporters, the report serves as a powerful tool for advocacy and public engagement.
The team at Currie were fantastic to deal with. They took a very complex topic that was fraught with political risks and communication challenges and helped us navigate a path towards this very impactful plan. Highly recommend working with Currie and taking this approach to dealing with wicked problems!
