Innovation Gippsland

The ‘Farming in a Changing Climate’ conference – the first event in the Innovation Gippsland 2008 calendar – will be held at Lakes Entrance on February 19 and 20.The conference focuses on Climate Change and the opportunities and threats for land managers.

Alex Arbuthnot, AM, Chair of Agribusiness Gippsland Inc., and member of the Australian Landcare Council, said, “This conference is for people seeking more information on climate change and for those who are keen to position themselves to manage the impacts of climate change.’  Mr Arbuthnot continued, ‘We’re focussing on practical approaches, with sessions on efficient water use on farms, commercial forestry’s role in mitigating climate change, and how to boost farming dollars from soil carbon. This is a chance for anyone working in agribusiness, as well as people interested in their region’s future, to come along and hear some new ideas.’ 

Speakers at the conference include Dr Graeme Pearman from the Monash Sustainability Institute’s Australian Climate Group, Professor Robert Carter, James Cook University, Townsville, CSIRO’s Dr Kevin Hennessy and Dr Leanne Webb and Gerald Leach, Chair of the NFF Climate Change Working Group. Grants are available for primary producers to claim a portion of the costs associated with the Conference Dinner, Conference, accommodation and travel.   

To register for the conference, contact Natalie Jenkins on 03 5152 6865 or Natalie.Jenkins@dpi.vic.gov.au.  

Innovation Gippsland, Gippsland’s celebration of innovation is held each year across Gippsland and is the largest regional festival in the Australian Innovation Festival program.