Successful Resources Energy and Industry Innovation Forum

The third annual Resources Energy and Industry Innovation Forum (REIIF) held in Dubbo from 6-8 August brought together a powerhouse of thought leaders, industry and government representatives to share their advice and knowledge on how regional NSW can move forward into a low emissions economy.

More than 40 speakers presented to an audience of 250 people over the three-day event.The Forum was developed in partnership with Regional Development Australia (RDA) Orana and the Association of Mining and Energy Related Councils (MERC) NSW, along with the support of five corporate sponsors.

RDA Orana, CEO Justine Campbell said she had received overwhelming positive support about the event from both attendees and speakers.

“The forum provided an opportunity to discuss the wide array of issues and innovations occurring in the new energy sector, the impact it is having on local communities as well as the benefits that will occur in the long term,” she said.

“A theme occurring from the forum was the need for collaboration between industry, government, universities and the community.

“There are so many  projects occurring across our state ranging from electrification, recycling, circular economies and in the rural sector to carbon and land management initiatives. The one thing they all have in common is the goal of lowering emissions.”

The forum also highlighted the impacts faced by local government and highlighted a number of programs underway around workforce, skills, housing and community engagement.Ms Campbell said it was evident that more effort needed to be placed on engagement with communities being affected by renewable energy projects, with a number of session speakers raising the topic of survey fatigue. “The audience heard from speakers who were looking at new ways to engage communities though place-based initiatives that directly involved the towns and cities affected,” she said.

“This ranged from pilot engagement models being investigated through to projects that train and employ local people so the community can see real tangible benefits.”

“We had representation from local, state and federal government, the mining industry, research and development organsiations, new energy businesses, thought leaders and educational institutions all in one room who have the same common goal.

“RDA Orana was able to bring all these people together in a regional centre so they could share their ideas, collaborate and partner in new projects to benefit our region.”