The future of clean, green energy production will be the topic of conversation at a breakfast seminar in Cairns next month that will feature the Queensland Minister for Mines and Energy, Geoff Wilson as guest speaker.

Co-hosted by Advance Cairns and Steve Wettenhall MP, Member for Barron River, the event is open to all interested parties and will provide attendees with an insight into the State Government’s policy direction for a carbon pollution reduction scheme.

Advance Cairns CEO Ross Contarino identified two major benefits of North Queensland tapping into the green energy market – diversification into a relatively untapped industry in the north, and a consistent supply of energy for the region.

“A combination of renewable energy targets and carbon reduction schemes set by the Australian Government has put North Queensland in the box seat for providing renewable energy,” Mr Contarino said. “In addition, energy production in the north will also assist in consistency of supply for our region,” he said.

Stewart Christie, project manager for ARUP and committee member of the Cairns Chamber of Commerce said the Chamber, in partnership with Advance Cairns and other key regional bodies, has been looking at initiatives to develop clean, green and smart industries in the region that could help diversify the economy and create new jobs. 

“This is a fantastic opportunity for TNQ to achieve this and at the same time reduce the region’s reliance on energy produced from coal powered stations that are inefficient and produce large amounts of CO₂,” Mr Christie said.

“This initiative will also help to preserve and promote the region’s ‘green’ image,” he said.

Member for Barron River Steve Wettenhall MP said, “The current threat of a global recession makes it even more important that we make the most of every opportunity to create new jobs for our region.”

“The government is encouraging clean green industries both to protect the environment and create employment. This region is ideally placed to drive the development of the green energy market so I hope we get a great response to Minister Geoff Wilson’s visit,” Mr Wettenhall said.

“Green Energy – Is It Our Future?”

Breakfast Seminar

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

7am – 9am

Urchins rooms 2-3, Pullman Reef Casino

Guest speaker: Minister for Mines & Energy, Geoff Wilson

$30 per person

RSVP: By 5pm, Monday, March 2, 2009

To book your attendance please email: sao@advancecairns.com

Payment can be made by direct debit, cheque or cash.

Credit card facilities are not available for this event.