
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
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 - 09:50
(20 mins)
[Regional Remarks]
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:

Lu Allan
Advocacy Director
RE-Alliance
Panelist:

Tim Bray
Assistant Coordinator of Energy
Western Australia Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety

Bart Sykes
Regional Economic Development Facilitator
Squadron Energy

Clare Larkin-Sykes
Co-lead
NewH2

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

Break
11:35 - 11:50
(15 mins)
[Case Study] Renewable Energy and Regional Communities – Bunbury as a Model

Brant Edwards
Chief Executive Officer
Bunbury Geographe Economic Alliance
11:50 - 12:30
(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

Jan Rieche
Executive Manager Policy Culture & People
H2U - the Hydrogen Utility

Katrina Langdon
Procurement Manager
Southerly Ten

Anna Stephenson
Regional Impact and Education Director
Regional Australia Institute

Laura Macpherson
Chief Executive Officer
TAFE Gippsland

Grahame Irwin
Regional Workforce Transition Officer
Department of Employment and Workplace Relations

Leigh Kennedy
Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Engagement
Federation University Australia

Mary Barry
CEO and Director
CircularEco
Break
14:00 - 14:40
(40 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
RES Australia

Tanya Jackson
Head of Sustainability, Communications and Engagement
RES Australia

Heidi McElnea
Regional Partnerships Coordinator
Community Power Agency
14:40 - 14:55
(15 mins)
[Case Study] Building a Robust Australian Wind Supply Chain: Catalyst for Regional Growth and a Zero-Emission Future
14:55 - 15:10
(15 mins)
[Case Study] Achieving 100% Renewables - Tasmanian REZ
Break
15:40 - 15:55
(15 mins)
[Keynote] Transportation of Windfarm Equipment (OSOM): Updates and Initiatives for 2025
15:55 - 16:35
(40 mins)
[Panel] Reviving Australia's Manufacturing Industry towards a Net-Zero Future
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New industry models and mechanisms

Shannon O'Rourke
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director
Powering Australia
