MORE than 100 food and fibre, government, commercial and community leaders came together for a powerful showcase of regional and industry leadership to driving climate action through sustainable, innovative and community-led endeavours at the Great South Coast Sustainable Energy Forum on Wednesday.
Food and Fibre Great South Coast organised the forum, held at Deakin University’s Warrnambool Campus.
Platinum partner, Powercor, showcased their newest assets for community safety, resilience and recovery – the Lidar-equipped helicopter and MusterTruck.
Sustainability and renewable energy champions, Moyne Shire, Sustainable Environmental Assessment and Management, and REDEI Renewable Energy Solutions, rounded out the list of event partners and took the opportunity to show their leadership in optimising community amenity and value from renewables, embracing cutting-edge energy technology to reduce emissions, whilst simultaneously increasing energy access and affordability.
Victorian Energy, Environment and Climate Change minister, Hon Lily D’Ambrosio, congratulated the region on the forum.
The hefty program included a showcase of various leading-edge hydrogen applications being applied across the region, including applications for dairy tankers, net zero commitments, and action taken by key livestock and dairy sectors, Wannon Water and forestry.
Key industry leaders including Victorian Farmers Federation president, Emma Germano, and Food Agility Cooperative Research Centre chair, Dr Anne Astin, addressed the topical subjects of renewables on farmland, and the interface between food production and energy, respectively.
Food and Fibre Great South Coast chair, Georgina Gubbins, said on Wednesday the program calibre and industry-wide support the forum had received was reflective of the important discussions to be had.
“As representatives of the top agricultural production region in Australia, Food and Fibre Great South Coast is serious about promoting long-term, meaningful and coordinated climate action,” she said.
“Our aim is to build consensus around the important issues we face right now, like a fair transition to sustainable energy consumption and production, as well as ensuring no member of our community is left behind.
“Today, we’ve brought the region together to share that we’re on the pathway towards net-zero livestock industries and forestry production – that’s something most Australians simply don’t know.”
Food and Fibre Great South Coast chief executive, Natalie Collard, noted “Australian agriculture, particularly farming, is a leader in sustainability innovation and emissions reduction”.
“We are proud of our collaborative approach to problem solving and front-foot approach to facing the challenges of climate change together,” she said.
“It’s vital that we continue to look at how to apply emerging energy solutions to a local environment, whether that be from hydrogen innovation, decarbonisation, or considerations of energy as a basic right, with the urgent need for regional three-phase power upgrades.”
Ms Gubbins said the forum had instilled her with confidence.
“Ultimately, today has been about collaboration – a region working together to showcase to our community that we are serious about taking climate action and that the work is well underway,” she said.
“The feedback we have received has affirmed that food and fibre remains a trusted, responsible steward of our natural resources and shared future in the eyes of our community.”
