Work through the challenges and expectations of a zero emissions environment in the future. Investigate the role of government initiatives in fostering innovation, investment and sustainable development in the natural resources sector of Regional NSW. The session will also delve into the opportunities of electrification. Why switching our fossil fuel machines to efficient electric versions and powering them with clean electricity will provide lasting change and benefit the community. How communities can drive change, what does investment in electrification look like and what are some of the barriers to overcome in electrifying our towns and suburbs?

Roy Butler MP
Member of the Legislative Assembly
Member for Barwon

The Hon. Penny Sharpe, MLC
Member of the Legislative Council
Minister for Climate Change, Minister for Energy, Minister for the Environment, and Minister for Heritage
Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council
Member of the Australian Labor Party

Brad Cam
Chair, Regional Development Australia (RDA) Orana

Councillor Kevin Duffy
Orange City Council,
Chair, Association of Mining and Energy Related Councils (MERC) NSW

Dugald Saunders, MP
Member of the Legislative Assembly
Member for Dubbo
Shadow Minister for Regional NSW, and Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Natural Resources

Kate Minter
Managing Director, Rewiring Australia
Electrification and how we ensure the transition is equitable and accessible for all homes and communities

What does the future look like for the energy and resources sector in the short, medium and long term? Learn about the challenges and opportunities being found in the mining, exploration, gas and nuclear energy sectors. Explore the mining industry’s journey into sustainability, examine facts and fiction about the gas industry as well as current and future supply use and demand. Find out what role nuclear power plays in climate change and how small modular reactors can support mining, processing and remote communities.

Stephen Galilee
CEO, NSW Minerals Council

Robert Parker
Founder, Nuclear for Climate Australia

Andrew Grogan
Partner, ESG Partners

Yvette Lloyd
Mining, Exploration and Geoscience, Department of Regional NSW

Hosted by Greg Lamont
Executive Officer, Association of Mining and Energy Related Councils (MERC) NSW

Every project that comes into a region, brings with it significant opportunity. The challenge is to know how to leverage each opportunity. This session focuses on how communities and businesses can find leverage and take advantage of projects happening in their region.

Consider new circular economy opportunities through SMaRT technologies and microfactories creating sustainable materials and products, and manufacturing with renewable energy.

Investigate the development of the hydrogen supply chain and new hydrogen focused technologies. Investigate how pricing signals and technology are encouraging investors and end users to work together to accelerate decarbonisation and learn about power purchase agreements and the potential to provide price and supply security of clean electricity to local businesses and councils.

Professor Veena Sahajwalla
Scientia Professor and Founding Director, UNSW Sustainable Materials Research and Technology (SMaRT) Centre

Michael Sharpe
Industry Specialist, LAVO

Grant Raja
General Manager Sales, Schneider Electric Sustainability Business

Clare Larkin-Sykes
Co-Lead, NewH2 - Hunter Hydrogen Technology Cluster

Dr Simon Wright
Research Principal, Energy Futures, Institute for Sustainable Futures, UTS

Hosted by Prof Alan Broadfoot
Executive Director, NIER, University of Newcastle

The transition to a low emissions future will impact on the regions, this session will help identify the steps to build economic prosperity while also moving towards a lower carbon economy. The session will discuss regional workforce requirements, upskilling and creating a future workforce pipeline for the clean energy sector and take a closer look into communities, managing community pressure, how to build trust and engagement and the effects a low emission future will have on mining towns.

Professor Leanne Piggott
Director of Experience, UNSW

Martine Holberton
Senior Stakeholder Engagement Advisor, Tilt Renewables

Steve Loane
General Manager, Forbes Shire Council

Jason Hamling
Mayor, Orange City Council

Dennis Brady
Councillor, Lachlan Shire Council

Hosted by Brad Cam
Chair, Regional Development Australia (RDA) Orana

Day 3 concludes with a formal 3-course dinner and drinks.

Keynote Speaker: Cherie Thompson, CEO and Founder, Native Secrets