The full day conference features four sessions and 12 speakers exploring regional issues including how the global economy affects northern Australia, future directions in agriculture, climate change and developing vibrant regions, plus ABARE’s latest forecasts and market assessments.

The 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 Crossin. ABARE’s Executive Director Phillip Glyde will discuss The road ahead; Megha Raut from the NT Department of Regional Development, Primary Industry, Fisheries and Resources on A region with potential – outlook for the Northern Territory economy and industry; and concluding with ANZ’s Deputy Chief Economist Tony Pearson, exploring A banker’s perspective on interest rates.

The second session agriculture – future directions, includes Trish Gleeson, ABARE analyst, on Outlook for mining and pastoral industries; Vin Lange from Centrefarm on Economic development on Indigenous land and Tracey Hayes, from Deep Well Station, discussing Pastoralism - a family business perspective.

Changing climate, changing directions is the third session with ABARE’s William Acworth on Agriculture - dealing with climate change; Sam Cleland from the Bureau of Meteorology discussing Coping with short and long-term climate change; Craig James, Desert Knowledge CRC exploring A carbon future for the desert andMarc Breton, Power and Water NT on the Alice Springs water re-use scheme.

The final session is vibrant regions and includes Norma Higgins, Katherine Region Food Processing Group on Turn the less than perfect into dollars; Rowan Foley, Central Desert Shire Council on Developing the region – a shire council’s role and concludes with Paul Davis, Newmont Tanami Operations, on Business benefits from Indigenous employment.

Registration for media is complimentary.