abare.gov.au

22 July 2008

Tomorrow – ABARE’s Regional Outlook conference in Bunbury

Explore how the global economy affects regional Western Australia, future directions in agriculture, developing vibrant regions and challenges in a changing climate, plus ABARE’s latest forecasts and market assessments at the Bunbury Regional Outlook conference on Wednesday 23 July.

Presented by ABARE, the conference features 12 local and ABARE speakers across four sessions. It will be a valuable source of information for delegates, and will be opened by Senator Mark Bishop, Senator for Western Australia.

The Bunbury 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 the opening address by Senator Mark Bishop, Senator for Western Australia; then presentations from Phillip Glyde, ABARE on the road ahead and Mark Rodrigues, ANZ on a banker’s perspective on interest rates, and where to from here?

The second session agriculture – future directions, includes Leanne Lawrance, ABARE on outlook and farm performance; Stephen Strange discussing planning for success and Larry Brennen, Challenge Dairy Co-operative on the way forward.

Changing climate, changing directions is the third session with Glen Cook, Bureau of Meteorology exploring coping with short and long term climate change; Colette Menegola, Grainol exploring sustainable bio-based industries in Western Australia and concluding with Cr Paddi Creevey, City of Mandurah on local government responding to climate change.

The final session is vibrant regions and includes Don Punch, South West Development Commission on regional development challenges; Matt Granger, Chamber of Minerals and Energy on sharing the resources and concluding the conference with Alex Wright, Voyager Estate on adding value to the region.

Registration for media is complimentary.

Date:      Wednesday 23 July 2008
Venue:    Bunbury Vineyard Auditorium, 32 Clifton St, Bunbury
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 Dr Jammie Penm, Chief Commodity Analyst on 02 6272 2030 or 0408 686 219.

For media enquiries, contact Maree Finnegan, Media Coordinator on 02 6272 2260, mobile 0417 689 567 or email mfinnegan@abare.gov.au