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
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
Anna Stephenson
Regional Impact and Education Director
Regional Australia Institute
Laura Macpherson
Chief Executive Officer
TAFE Gippsland
Mary Barry
CEO and Director
CircularEco
Katrina Langdon
Procurement Manager
Southerly Ten
Grahame Irwin
Regional Workforce Transition Officer
Department of Employment and Workplace Relations
Leigh Kennedy
Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Engagement
Federation University Australia
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
RE-Alliance
Rob Law
Senior Manager, Energy Transitions
WWF-Australia
Tanya Jackson
Head of Sustainability, Communications and Engagement
RES Australia
Heidi McElnea
Regional Partnerships Coordinator
Community Power Agency
Nick Corne
Partner
ERM
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
Kellie O'Callaghan
Chair
Regional Development Australia Gippsland
Professor Bernard Rolfe
Associate Dean Research - Faculty of Science, Engineering, and Built Environment (SEBE)
Deakin University
15:35 - 15:40
(05 mins)