Forum takes on climate change in local region

Wednesday 4 October 2006

The University of Newcastle will host a forum to discuss climate change, its impacts on the Hunter, Central Coast and Mid-North areas, and regional strategies to address the issue through forward thinking and vision.

University of Newcastle climatologist and speaker at the Forum, Dr Ian Goodwin, said the impact of rising sea levels and storm frequency on coastal and estuarine inundation, along with changes in estuarine salinity and fresh water inflows, are some of the region's greatest challenges.

"We need to develop strategies that extend well beyond the next 20 years, to manage the effects of climate change, including rising sea levels, water resources and agricultural viability," Dr Goodwin said.

"The southern hemisphere is yet to see the full effects of changes to greenhouse gas compositions over the past 150 years."

The Climate Change Forum, hosted by the University of Newcastle's Tom Farrell Institute for the Environment, will bring together business and community leaders, researchers, environmental and land managers, academics and students.

Institute Chair and former Director General of National Parks and Wildlife Service, Brian Gilligan, said the forum's unique format would give a voice to all with an interest and investment in the future of the region.

"The forum will strive to tackle the key issues around climate change such as: How do we assess the specific risks to regional communities? What practical measures can we come up with to address those risks? What is the best way to develop a sensible strategy for our region to deal with the challenges we face?" Mr Gilligan said.

Also at the Forum, Meredith Laing, Director - Environment Division, Hunter Councils, will speak on climate change as a regional issue; and Dr Greg Laughlin from the Bureau of Rural Sciences will present case studies on solutions in progress.

Tom Farrell was a prominent Newcastle businessman who was actively involved in protecting the Newcastle region's national parks and reserves. He was also a key player in setting up the University of Newcastle.

The Tom Farrell Institute's Climate Change Forum will be held on Friday, 6 October 2006 at the University of Newcastle's Computing and Information Sciences Theatre (room CT202), Callaghan campus. Registration commences from 1.30pm with proceedings starting at 2pm. Register online.

Photo opportunity: Media are invited to attend the Forum. Full program details available on the Tom Farrell Institute website.

Media interviews: Mr Gilligan is available for interview. Dr Goodwin will be available for interview from Thursday 5 October.