Southern Cross University leads regional Think Tank

Climate change and sustainability, creating new business and employment opportunities and capturing the benefits of population change are some of the key topics to be discussed at the Northern Rivers Think Tank, being hosted by Southern Cross University’s Regional Futures Institute tomorrow (March 30).

The Think Tank, at Invercauld House, Lismore, will be attended by business leaders and local government representatives from Coffs Harbour, Clarence Valley, Ballina, Byron Bay, Lismore, Kyogle, Richmond Valley, Tweed Heads, Gold Coast and Brisbane.

Professor Peter Lee, Southern Cross University Vice Chancellor, said the Think Tank would look at priority issues for the Mid North and North Coast regions.

“We have been working closely with business leaders through the Vice Chancellor’s Business Leaders’ Forum and have identified key areas that will have significant impacts on the economic and social development of this region,” Professor Lee said.

“At this forum we want to generate practical regional solutions to some of these issues and identify where we need to further focus our research activities.”

Among the speakers will be: Tony Davies, chief executive of the Northern Rivers Social Development Council; Professor Michael Evans, Pro Vice Chancellor Faculty of Business and Law at Southern Cross University; Michael Pitt, general manager of the Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority; Terry Watson, local employment co-ordinator for the Keep Australian Working initiative; and Katrina Luckie.

The forum will look at the key themes of transport, telecommunications, climate change and sustainability, creating business and employment opportunities, and engendering social inclusion.

Associate Professor Jeremy Buultjens, director of the Regional Futures Institute, said the Think Tank would guide the development of the Institute’s research and consultancy and training services.

“The aim of the Institute is to develop tools to ensure regional communities remain sustainable and to raise awareness of the important role these play in Australia,” Professor Buultjens said.

“We are working with a range of local governments and can provide economic modelling to give a clear indication of the economic value of certain industries to a region. We are also looking at supply chain management and developing models for valuing the carbon economy. The other area of importance is the provision of training for small business and for economic development officers from local government.”

Photo: Associate Professor Jeremy Buultjens, director of the Regional Futures Institute.