CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE HEADS TO BRISBANE

Queensland’s worst drought on record has focused the attention of most people on climate and the weather , scientific data shows climate change is no longer something that may happen in the future , its happening now and we should all plan for change.

So its timely to announce that Brisbane will host the third Australia-New Zealand Climate Change and Business Conference in August 2007.

Queensland Minister for State Development John Mickel said the conference was more evidence of the prestige with which business viewed the Smart State, Queensland recently secured a number of important international and national business events, including the Australian Venture Capital Conference, Game Connect: Asia Pacific, and the Composites Australia 2007 Conference.

Mr Mickel said the Climate Change and Business Conference would bring together some of Australasia’s most prominent business and political leaders to discuss the risks and opportunities facing business as a result of climate change.

He said Queensland was taking climate change seriously and this conference would help business and the wider community gain a better understanding of its impact and the way forward.

“The Queensland Government is investing heavily to ensure the State can address and adapt to climate change,” Mr Mickel said.

“Supporting crucial events like this one is vital to understanding the effects on our environment and our economy.”

In April the Government established the $1 billion Queensland Future Growth Fund to help the State meet the challenges of climate change and the continued economic development of the State.

“For example as a major coal producer, we have a responsibility as a global citizen to do all we can to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” Mr Mickel said.

“Our Future Growth Fund will provide $300 million to support the continued sustainable development of clean coal technology.”

Mr Mickel said Queensland was leading the way in the development of this technology, with the State’s coal producers well placed to capture a new market for low emission coal.

He said other opportunities presented by climate change included the areas of environmental management technologies and services, alternative energy technologies and manufacturing, enhanced forestry investment, innovative production practices and technologies for use in traditional and emissions-intensive industries, and the production of biofuels through the use of rural by-products.

Conference Convenor Gary Taylor said the conference would build on the successful Adelaide conference held earlier this year.

“We expect the Brisbane conference to be the most important gathering on climate change in the Australia-New Zealand region in the next 18 months,” Mr Taylor said.

“The 2007 program will include a range of international speakers, showcasing what is happening domestically and overseas”.

Regional leaders will debate key climate change issues with an aim of achieving some tangible solutions and outcomes.

He said the event would cater both to businesses very familiar with climate change and those just recognising the related risks and opportunities.

“We will be making a special effort to explore the business opportunities arising out of climate change policies in China, India, Japan and further a field,” he said.

The conference is endorsed and supported by the Australian Business Council for Sustainable Energy, the Australian Industry Group, the Environmental Defence Society, the New Zealand Business Council for Sustainable Development, the Pew Center, Point Carbon, The Climate Group and WWF Australia.

Further information contact Ms Elizabeth Edmonds on 0413 439 573 or visit www.climateandbusiness.com.

Media Contacts: Chris Brown 3224 7349 or Elouise Campion 3224 6784
October 13 ,2006