REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT FORUM
The Regional Development Forum stands as a collaborative initiative ingrained within the Connecting Hydrogen APAC, the Australia Wind Energy and the Carbon Capture APAC Summit. It is designed to focus on the major regions of Australia's clean energy industry, and to energize regional development by providing the audience with an in-depth understanding of the context of the region. The forum will bring an exchange with local representatives from the perspectives of regional planning, project sharing, local workforce, environment and culture, exploring more possibilities of regional development, and creating the prosperity of Australia's economic development.
Regional Development Forum is exclusively open to sponsors, speakers, and delegates.
Forum Partners:
​Morning - 18 July Friday
14:30 - 17:40
(000 mins)
Call for 2025 Regional Development Forum Partners
please send your interest to ccas@leader-associates.com
14:30 - 14:35
(05 mins)
Forum Opening
14:35 - 14:55
(20 mins)
Partner Remarks
14:55 - 15:35
(40 mins)
[Panel] How Clean Energy Infrastructure Connects Regional Communities to Growth
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Focus on the role of infrastructure (grid, storage, transport) in enabling clean energy development and regional integration.
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Examines how infrastructure investments facilitate access to energy markets and support community development.
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Highlights the connectivity between energy projects and regional economic opportunities beyond energy generation.
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Addresses technical and planning challenges in linking remote and regional communities.
Afternoon Break
16:15 - 16:55
(40 mins)
[Panel] Sustainable Development - Aligning Environmental Stewardship with Economic Growth
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Centers on environmental sustainability challenges in expanding wind and clean energy projects.
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Discusses strategies to mitigate ecological impacts, biodiversity concerns, and land use conflicts.
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Explores the policy frameworks and best practices that align economic growth with environmental stewardship.
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​Emphasis on long-term sustainability and community well-being.
16:55 - 17:35
(40 mins)
[Panel] Empowering the Next Generation of Clean Energy Workers
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Dedicated to skills development, education, and workforce training for the clean energy sector.
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Highlights the transition of fossil fuel workers to renewable energy roles.
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Discusses partnerships between industry, government, and education providers to build capacity and create career pathways.
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Focus on regional workforce strategies and addressing labor market gaps.
17:35 - 17:40
(05 mins)
Forum Closing
Morning - 18 July Friday
09:30 - 16:30
(480 mins)
Call for 2025 Regional Development Forum Co-host
please send your interest to au@leader-associates.com
09:30 - 09:35
(05 mins)
Welcome by Chair
Laura Jeffrey
Senior Project Manager
Squadron Energy
09:35 - 09:50
(15 mins)
Welcome Remarks
Sharon Claydon MP
Federal Member for Newcastle and Deputy Speaker
The House of Representatives
Natalie Collard
Chief Executive Officer
Farmers for Climate Action
Alice Thompson
Chief Executive Officer
Committee for the Hunter
Lucy Allan
Advocacy Director
RE-Alliance
09:50 - 10:30
(40 mins)
[Panel] Exploring Pathways into a Net-Zero Economy for Regions
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Renewables' expansion to replace coal plants
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Coal to Green Hydrogen and carbon capture
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Adapting to regional energy demands
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Energising the regional economy
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Considerations for mining, agriculture, tourism, and fishing
Moderator:
Lucy Allan
Advocacy Director
RE-Alliance
Panelist:
Tim Bray
Assistant Coordinator of Energy
Energy Policy WA
Bart Sykes
Regional Economic Development Facilitator
Squadron Energy
Clare Larkin-Sykes
Co-lead
New.E
Sara Rhodes-Ward
Regional Director, Gippsland
Victorian Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions
Michael Johnston
CEO
Committee for Geelong
Nils Hay
Chief Executive Officer
Mid West Development Commission
10:30 - 10:55
(15 mins)
[Keynote] Reserved for CPB Contractors
Jason Pearson
General Manager, Renewables, Systems & Technology
CPB Contractors
Break
11:35 - 12:15
(40 mins)
[Panel] Cultivating the Future Workforce: Preparing for Clean Energy Jobs
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The importance of upskilling, training programs
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Creating pathways for local communities
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Nurture talent and build a skilled workforce for Australia’s clean energy future
Moderator:
Jan Rieche
Executive Manager Policy Culture & People
H2U - the Hydrogen Utility
Laura Macpherson
Chief Executive Officer
TAFE Gippsland
Mary Barry
CEO and Director
CircularEco
Grahame Irwin
Regional Workforce Transition Officer
Department of Employment and Workplace Relations
Mikaela Power
Associate Director Partnerships and Growth
Federation University Australia
Break
13:50 - 14:40
(50 mins)
[Panel] Sustaining Growth: Balancing Environmental Protection with Economic Development
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Identify potential environmental and economic risks
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Minimize the environmental impact of renewable energy projects
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Integrate sustainability into economic planning
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Ensure long-term benefits
Moderator:
Raquel Carter
Head of WA and Environment
Energise Renewables
Panelist:
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Dr Andrew Gill
Senior Research Scientist Renewable Energy
Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS)
Bridget Ryan
Policy & Industry Engagement Director
RE-Alliance
Rob Law
Senior Manager, Energy Transitions
WWF-Australia
Steph Froggatt
Project Compliance Manager
RES Australia
Heidi McElnea
Regional Partnerships Coordinator
Community Power Agency
Nick Corne
Partner
ERM
Katie Gwynne
Environment and Consenting Manager
Equinor
14:40 - 14:55
(15 mins)
[Keynote] Transportation of Windfarm Equipment (OSOM): Updates and Initiatives for 2025
Lauren Hewitt
Chief Executive Officer
Queensland Transport and Logistics Council
Sarah Kasteel
Project Manager
Qube
14:55 - 15:35
(40 mins)
[Panel] Reviving Australia's Manufacturing Industry towards a Net-Zero Future
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New industry models and mechanisms
Moderator:
Franco Santucci
Senior Partner & Lead
Arthur D. Little
Panelist:
Shannon O'Rourke
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director
Powering Australia
Professor Bernard Rolfe
Associate Dean Research - Faculty of Science, Engineering, and Built Environment (SEBE)
Deakin University
Kellie O'Callaghan
Chair
Regional Development Australia Gippsland
Lisa Maro
Renewable Energy Industry Adviser
Industry Capability Network - Victoria
15:35 - 15:40
(05 mins)