Informative, thought-provoking, enjoyable. This is how the Queensland Murray-Darling Committee hopes participants will find a two-day Natural Resource Management, Climate Change and Production forum in Goondiwindi on November 11 and 12.
QMDC Maranoa-Balonne Catchment Team Coordinator Cameron O’Neil said a quality speaker line-up had been arranged to ensure young rural industry members aged 18 to 35 heard from the best.
“This forum will focus on providing information on the environmental, economic and social benefits of working collectively toward sustaining the region’s natural resources,” Mr O’Neil said.
This project is supported by funding from the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry under its Australia's Farming Future initiative.
“We recognise the challenges faced by young people in rural industries and this forum will provide them with information, tools and, we hope, a launching pad, to combat issues both now and into the future.”
Mr O’Neil said the impressive speaker line-up included FutureFood Qld Co-Chair Geoff Hewitt, QMDC CEO Geoff Penton, QPIF Strategic Directions business unit Sustainable Agriculture Director Brett de Hayr, RuralScope Director Jo Eady, National Farmers’ Federation CEO Ben Fargher, CWPyschology Psychologist Dr Lisa Wright, Agroclim Australia Principal Dr Jeff Clewett, Agrifood Skills Australia CEO Arthur Blewitt and many more.
The two-day function also includes an official dinner with guest speaker Sam Bailey, a farmer, pilot, inspirational speaker, best selling author and quadriplegic. Participants can then dance the night away with Goondiwindi band “The Local Lot”.
“In our motivational sessions attendees will hear from our speakers on issues impacting on natural resource management, policy development, leadership theory and journeys, the current state of rural communities, the credit crunch and other relevant topics,” Mr O’Neil said.
“Opportunities have also been provided for attendees to share their own experiences, ideas and form strong, supportive networks that will help them as they work to establish, maintain or build successful businesses and communities.
“This forum will provide participants with skills and information they can use as we all work together to build a strong and sustainable future for the Queensland Murray-Darling Basin.”
For more information, visit www.qmdc.org.au/about-qmdc/nextgen.html or call Rebecca Fing on 4671 0723.
