abare.gov.au

29 April 2008

Tomorrow – ABARE’s Regional Outlook conference in Innisfail

Explore how the global economy affects North Queensland, future directions in agriculture, developing vibrant regions and challenges in a changing climate, plus ABARE’s latest forecasts and market assessments at the Innisfail Regional Outlook conference on Wednesday 30 April.

Presented by ABARE, the conference features 12 local and ABARE speakers across four sessions, with over 70 delegates already registered to attend. It will be a valuable source of information for delegates, and will be opened by federal member for Capricornia Kirsten Livermore MP.

The Innisfail 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 Kirsten Livermore MP, Member for Capricornia; then presentations from Phillip Glyde, ABARE on the road ahead and Tony Pearson, ANZ on opportunities and challenges in North Queensland.

The second session agriculture – future directions, includes Stephen Hooper, ABARE on outlook and farm performance; Adrian Crema, A + P Crema on the impacts of external forces on farm profitability and concludes with Alex Stubbs, Ti-tree Farming Company on developing new opportunities.

Changing climate, changing directions is the third session with Ann Farrell, Bureau of Meteorology on climate projections in north Queensland; Peter Holden, Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Queensland discussing sustainable biobased industries in tropical north Queensland; and concluding with David Barratt, Bureau of Rural Sciences, on climate risk analysis - concepts, data and tools.

The final session is vibrant regions and includes Dick Camilleri from Tully Sugar Limited on the sugar mill’s role in maintaining vibrant communities; Lisa McDonald, Townsville Enterprise Limited on sustaining regional development and Robert Watson, Mungalli Creek Dairy with adding value to the region.

Registration for media is complimentary.

Date: Wednesday 30 April 2008
Venue: Brothers Leagues Club, cnr Campbell and Ernest Streets, Innisfail
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.