Invitation from the Climate Institute

Regional Opportunities in a Low-Carbon Economy – Seminar – Armidale – 6 October 2011

• when Thursday, 6 October 2011, 9:00 am to 12:30 pm, followed by lunch
• where Tops Room, The Bowling Club, 92-96 Dumaresq Street, Armidale, NSW
• rsvp Esther Green, 02 8239 6299 Places are limited so please book as soon as possible. Please also advise any special dietary requirements.

note Lunch, light refreshments and informal networking time are included in this free seminar.

Details:

Later this year, Australia is set to join countries around the world taking action on climate change and clean energy by putting a price on carbon alongside the country’s renewable energy target. A new national Carbon Farming Initiative recently passed into law, potentially offering landholders a stake in the emerging carbon market.

These and other policies present regional communities and industries with opportunities as well as challenges. For example, recent research undertaken by Sinclair Knight Mertz and Ernst & Young for the Climate Institute shows substantial potential for renewable energy development in New England.

Find out what carbon pricing, carbon farming, energy efficiency and clean energy means for regional Australia.

This is a chance to hear and participate in a private, constructive Chatham House Rule discussion—free of the heated political debate—about a range of important issues, including:

• Global and national developments in climate change policy;
• Regional clean energy employment and business opportunities;
• Opportunities and challenges for farm and food businesses; and
• What the carbon tax means for businesses and consumers.

The programme includes ample opportunity for questions and a roundtable discussion. We look forward to hearing your views on what is needed to make the best of the opportunities in the region.

Speakers include:

• Mark Wootton, Farmer and Chair of the Climate Institute
• Kevin Goss, CEO, Co-operative Research Centre for Future Farm Industries
• Roderick Marsh, Energy Economist & Associate Director, Net Balance
• Paul Cruickshank, Renewable Energy Precinct Coordinator, New England Tablelands, NSW Office of Environment & Heritage
• Erwin Jackson, Deputy CEO, The Climate Institute

The Climate Institute is grateful to the Hamer Family Fund for making this seminar possible.

We look forward to seeing you in Armidale on the 6th of October for this important discussion.

Kind Regards, John Connor, CEO, The Climate Institute