Transforming Australia

The Illawarra region of NSW will host a national professional conference in July 2011 that will explore the relationship between economic development and sustainable living.

Transforming Australia – jobs, industry and the green economy will consider key strategies for transforming our national and regional economies. It will look at the opportunities presented by the new green economy and consider success stories from around the
world.

The conference will be held on 25 – 26 July 2011 at the Novotel Northbeach in Wollongong. It will be hosted by Regional Development Australia – Illawarra, as part of its Green Jobs Illawarra initiative.

Regional Development Australia – Illawarra Chairman, Eddy De Gabriele said Transforming Australia is the first national conference of its kind.

“One thing is certain - no matter what form it takes, Australia will have a carbonconstrained economy in the near future, and it is clear that this will have a significant impact on jobs, industries and regional economies in particular,” Mr De Gabriele said.

Green Jobs Illawarra Chairman, Arthur Rorris said Transforming Australia would be held in the Illawarra because it is Australia’s industrial heartland.

“Our region, through Green Jobs Illawarra and other initiatives, is already working to create sustainable green jobs to power a future low-carbon economy, Mr Rorris said.

The Transforming Australia conference will feature:
• National and international speakers, including Chief Climate Commissioner Tim Flannery, climate change experts Allan Jones, John Connor and Matthew Wright, and leading industry figures
• Expert panels in the fields of the carbon economy, sustainability, renewable energy, green buildings, biodiversity, social enterprise and regional transformation
• A showcase of sustainable industries and projects from the Illawarra
• A unique opportunity to participate in a Q&A forum with government and industry leaders
• Networking opportunities including a welcome reception.

Transforming Australia, a national conference hosted by RDA Illawarra as part of its Green Jobs Illawarra initiative

“We are delighted to announce that the Climate Commission will visit the Illawarra and participate in the Transforming Australia conference,” Mr De Gabriele said.

“In addition to Chief Climate Commissioner, Tim Flannery making a key note presentation at the conference, the Climate Commissioners will tour local industries and hold a public forum at Wollongong Town Hall as part of their national Climate Conversation initiative.”

Mr Rorris said the Transforming Australia conference would be relevant to anyone involved in public policy surrounding the green economy, representatives of sustainable, renewable and traditional industries, unions, industry bodies, community organisations and
students.

“The Transforming Australia conference will give delegates the opportunity to contribute to the national debate around this important issue for Australia and our regions,” Mr Rorris said.

More information on the conference is available from RDA Illawarra on (02) 4227 4500 or at www.rdaillawarra.com.au.