abare.gov.au

20 May 2008

Tomorrow – ABARE’s Regional Outlook conference in Bendigo

Explore how the global economy affects regional Victoria, future directions in agriculture, developing vibrant regions and challenges in a changing climate, plus ABARE’s latest forecasts and market assessments at the Bendigo Regional Outlook conference on Wednesday 21 May.

Presented by ABARE, the conference features 13 local and ABARE speakers across four sessions, with over 100 delegates already registered to attend. It will be a valuable source of information for delegates, and will be opened by federal Member for Bendigo Steve Gibbons MP.

The Bendigo Regional Outlook conference is open to everyone, to discover more information about their region, make new contacts, discuss industry trends and access information that can encourage innovative approaches to traditional issues.

The conference begins with the overview session and an opening address by Steve Gibbons MP, Member for Bendigo; then presentations from Karen Schneider, ABARE on the road ahead and Mark Rodrigues, ANZ on opportunities and challenges in central Victoria.

The second session agriculture – future directions, includes Vince O’Donnell, ABARE on outlook and farm performance; Barry Batters on planning for the future; Natalie Akers, Murray Dairy on seizing opportunities in the current market and concludes with Wayne Street, Northern Poultry Cluster on fresh approaches to maximize value.

Changing climate, changing directions is the third session with David Jones, Bureau of Meteorology on coping with short and long term climate change; Steven Hobbs, BE Bioenergy on integrating food and energy production on farm and concluding with Stuart McLean, Glenloth Holdings exploring adapting to change on farm.

The final session is vibrant regions and includes Alexandra Gartmann, Birchip Cropping Group on growing through adversity; Jim Norris, Mount Alexander Sustainability Group, enabling communities in a changing world; and Margot Spalding, Jimmy Possum Furniture on adding value to the region.

Registration for media is complimentary.

Date: Wednesday 21 May 2008
Venue: The Capital, 50 View Street, Bendigo l
Time: Registration from 8.30am, conference 9.00am – 5.00pm
Cost: $77 pp (inc GST) including conference admission, copies of available speakers’ papers, lunch and morning and afternoon tea.
Contact: Angela Ellerman, ABARE on mobile 0408 487 825.

Download the conference program at www.abare.gov.au/regional

For media interviews and comment, please contact Vince O’Donnell, Commodity Outlook manager on 0419 303 639. For media enquiries, contact Maree Finnegan, Media Coordinator on mobile 0417 689 567.