Understanding the role of historic climate variability and trends that characterise the Hunter, Central and Lower North Coast is critical for industry, government and the community to understand and prepare for climate change.

The Tom Farrell Institute will host the Climate change in the Hunter - a community focus to provide a snapshot of their latest research into the potential impacts of climate change on the region's economy, community and environment, and to discuss planning and strategies.

The forum will feature Dr Karen Blackmore, a postdoctoral scientist from Newcastle Innovation; and Douglas Lord from the NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change.

The forum will be held on Friday 17 October from 2 - 4.30pm at the Harold Lobb Concert Hall, the Conservatorium of Music, cnr Auckland and Laman Streets, Newcastle. Entry is $10.