Alternative Futures Conference, May 21 - 24, 2012.

The Hunter and Central Coast Regional Environmental Management Strategy (HCCREMS) team and the councils of the region invite you to participate in the Alternative Futures Conference - 21st to 24th of May 2012 in Newcastle, NSW.

Local government, in many ways, is at the forefront of shaping the future of regions throughout Australia in terms of sustainable planning and development. The Alternative Futures Conference 2012 will provide an innovative platform for exploring emerging trends, progressive leadership, and new pathways towards sustainability.

Convened over three days in Newcastle City Precinct NSW, the conference will deliver an exciting multidisciplinary event addressing climate and risk, land use planning, biodiversity conservation, liveable communities and urban design and feature some of the leading thinkers and innovators from across Australia and overseas.

Who should attend?
Staff and managers from Councils and their partner organisations, businesses, universities, research institutions, community networks, NGOs, State & Federal agencies, and professional organisations from ecological, planning, infrastructure, environment, engineering, energy & water, risk management and financial sectors.

Format
Alternative Futures will showcase nationally significant work being undertaken in the Hunter and regions across Australia as well as ground breaking innovations from overseas. The conference will feature:

• inspirational keynotes
• a comprehensive range of technical sessions led by experts in their fields in a range of formats (presentations, facilitated discussions, interactive workshops, multi-media and field-based activities)
• creative explorations of how to make change happen with leading thinkers and innovators
• showcasing of innovative arts based approaches to community engagement & education
• a village market, art installations and street theatre, a business leader's breakfast, major dinner event at the Regional Museum

Participants will advance their knowledge of current and emerging issues facing Australian regions and hear from keynote and technical speakers who will provide expert insights into the potential for creating alternative future.

For more information: http://www.alternativefutures.com.au/

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