City hosts power event: Renewable energy in spotlight

Bendigo Advertiser
Thursday 5/7/2007 Page: 5

INNOVATIONS in renewable energy will be showcased when a conference in Bendigo brings together experts in the field in September. La Trobe University and the City of Greater Bendigo are hosting the conference, which will examine business opportunities for renewable energy in regional Australia. Organising committee chairman, councillor Keith Reynard, said the council had partnered with La Trobe University to formulate a diverse program. "The conference will focus Bendigo as a place for future research and development in renewable energy options," he said.

Mr Reynard said the conference had something for everyone, with a range of speakers likely to appeal to policy makers, property developers, community groups and other business groups. La Trobe University Centre for Sustainable Regional Communities director, Professor John Martin, said businesses involved in the production of renewable energy sources were already visible in regional areas. "We have the solar tower at Mildura, wind farms, biofuel plants, such as the one at Barnawartha now in construction, and feeder businesses, such as wind turbine and renewable energy regulator manufacturers, and others emerging," he said.

With a diverse program planned, attendees will be treated to topics such as the Hepburn Community Wind Farm story, the solar cities project in Townsville, wave energy, and small scale biomass gasification. Keynote speakers will include Minister John Brumby, Grant McVicar, director of the Office of Energy Conservation in Canada, and Bendigo Bank's chief executive officer Rob Hunt, with Rob Gell the Master of Ceremonies. The price tag of $590 for the full program includes dinner at Bendigo Town Hall on Monday, September 17.

Mr Reynard said the full program may appeal principally to government organisations and businesses, with different pricing structures available for single day attendances, or the dinner. "This is a great opportunity for business developers, planners and regional leaders to hear about the opportunities, challenges and scenarios ahead, including how renewable energy will be created, distributed and regulated." The conference will be held at the The Capital, Bendigo's Performing Arts Centre, from September 17 to 18.

For details and registration go to www.renewableenergyconference.com.au or phone 5434 6001.