Nature Conservation Council of NSW's Regional Conference: Sat 1st Jun 2024 - Sun 2nd Jun 2024
What: Regional conference for state’s leading environmental advocacy organisation.
When: Sat 1st Jun 2023, 8:45 am - Sun 2nd Jun 2023, 3:00 pm AEST
Where: Glenrock Scout Camp
Who: Convened by the Nature Conservation Council NSW, partnered with a dozen local community groups
Details: Full program available here
Media: Anna Greer E: [email protected] M: 0493 733 529 PH: (02) 7208 9482
This weekend, the Nature Conservation Council of NSW (NCC) will hold their 2024 regional conference ‘Hunter Central Coast at the coalface of the transition, biodiversity in the balance’
This year’s conference will be exploring the region’s role in the renewable energy transition. Nature Conservation Council NSW is partnering with half a dozen local community groups to facilitate important discussions around the ways renewable energy and infrastructure projects can ensure nature thrives on both the global and local level.
Quotes attributable to Jacqui Mumford, Chief Executive Officer of Nature Conservation Council NSW:
“This is an exciting time for the Hunter Central Coast as it transitions to a renewable energy hub, after coal has been such a huge part of the region for so long.
“We want to lead the conversation around how nature, jobs and energy production can thrive together as our society undertakes this massive change in our energy system.
“This weekend will see experts and local stakeholders come together to have important conversations about how we can tackle the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities in the Hunter Central Coast as it transitions away from coal.”
Quotes attributable to Jo Lynch, Coordinator of Hunter Community Environment Centre:
“It's time to collectivize and problem solve to ensure the needs of the community, environment and workers remain central to our efforts to tackle the climate crisis and bring about a fast and fair energy transition.
“The regional conference will provide a timely opportunity for community members to connect and solidify our aspirations for the future as we undergo massive and much needed change here in the Hunter and Central Coast, in response to the global climate and biodiversity crises.
“The threats to nature have never been greater, and the Hunter is on the frontlines of the impacts as well as the opportunities for renewal and revitalisation presented by a proactive approach to the energy transition and the protection of species habitat."
Speakers over the weekend include:
- Tim Buckley, founder and director of Climate Energy Finance (CEF), will be our keynote speaker. He is an expert on decarbonisation currently leading the national discussion on the transition of our energy system and he will be sharing his valuable insights and expertise with us.
- Jo Lynch is a Novocastrian hailing from Maitland in the Hunter Valley, passionate about biodiversity protection. Jo has been organising with Newcastle’s grassroots climate and environment movement since 2015. Jo has been the Coordinator at the Hunter Community Environment Centre since 2018, where she works with communities campaigning to reduce pollution impacts of coal-power on waterways and prepares for community-led transition planning.
- Justin Page is the coordinator for the Hunter Jobs Alliance. The Hunter Jobs Alliance aims for full employment, with good union jobs, a thriving and healthy living environment, an equitable society, a stable climate, and renewable prosperity in the Hunter region.
- Heidi McElnea is a Regional Coordinator for Community Power Agency, Heidi's most recent collaboration is the guide, Building Better Biodiversity on Solar Farms. Heidi worked with farmers, developers, ecologists, researchers, Landcare and Cultural Knowledge Holders to explore and document shared land-use opportunities in the New England REZ, which has broader applicability for any region where solar developments are planned.
- And many more. View the full program here.
The aims of the conference are to explore the challenges and possibilities of the Hunter Central Coast’s transition from coal to renewables, and what it looks like when nature and climate are at the core of planning. It will also be an opportunity for nature lovers from around the state to network, collaborate and plan for the future.
The conference will be held this weekend, June 1st& 2nd, at Glenrock Scout Camp. Tickets are $45 and available here. Free tickets are available for First Nations people and all under the age of 25.
Media note: Complimentary tickets for media are available upon request.
Statement ends
Media contact: Anna Greer
E: [email protected] M: 0493 733 529 PH: (02) 7208 9482
Note: NCC CEO Jacqui Mumford and Jo Lynch are available for comment on request