The Climate Leadership and Jobs Summit kicks off this week, giving business and community leaders the opportunity to come together and devise strategies to ensure the region benefits in the transition to a lower emissions economy.
The two-day summit, convened by Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell, will be held in Shepparton on February 23 and 24.
The summit will focus on economic opportunities for the Goulburn-Murray region as Australia moves to net zero by 2050.
Thirteen leading climate researchers, scientists, experts and community leaders will speak at the event.
Speakers include University of Edinburgh Centre for Business, Climate Change and Sustainability director Sarah Birrell Ivory, Australian National University’s Climate Change Institute director Mark Howden and Beyond Zero Emissions chief executive officer Heidi Lee.
There will also be opportunities to engage one-on-one with the speakers to ensure questions don’t go unanswered.
Former premiership-winning AFL player Jordan Roughead will also attend.
Mr Roughead has studied the impact of consumerism on the environment and regularly writes publicly about stronger action on climate change.
Mr Birrell said he was standing true to his promise in his maiden speech to parliament of making space to discuss climate change action.
“This summit will discuss the how, touching on new technologies and applications,” he said.
“It’s great to have high profile people like Jordan take interest and it will be great to have him share his knowledge on how to create a more sustainable future for Nicholls.”
The event is invitation only. The guest list was developed by community leaders and local organisations.