Bellingen Chamber of Commerce

Please note the changes to the date for the Climate Adaptation Workshop below. It is on the 22 April from 6:00-8:00pm. RSVP to lthomas@bellingen.nsw.gov.au – 66557337 by 19 April 2010.

From: Nic Denshire

Bellingen Shire Council Sustainability News

1. Invitation to attend Climate Change adaptation workshop

2. North Coast Energy Forum invitation

1. Climate Change Adaptation Workshop

What: Presentation on the results of the Climate Change Risk Assessment for Bellingen and an interactive workshop on adaptation strategies for Bellingen

When: Thursday 22 April 6:00 -8:00 pm, RSVP by 19 April 2010

Where: Council chambers 33-39 Hyde Street, Bellingen

Contact: Liz Thomas – lthomas@bellingen.nsw.gov.au – 66557337

Bellingen Shire Council, in partnership with Kempsey and Nambucca Shire Councils, is preparing a climate change risk assessment of each of the Shires, following which appropriate Climate Change Adaptation Plans will be developed. The project is being carried out in accordance with the Federal Government’s Local Adaptation Pathways Program (LAPP). The LAPP provides assistance to local governments to carry out a risk management process to identify likely impacts of climate change on Council operations and their local community and to initiate the development of an Adaptation Plan (which is separate from mitigation measures, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions).

The risk assessment process is nearing completion and Council is now aiming to progress the adaptation component of the project. As part of adaptation process, Council is seeking input from relevant sections of the local community, and as such would like to extend an invitation for members of your organisation to attend an interactive workshop. The workshop will provide an opportunity for the Consultants on behalf of Council, to present to the results from the risk assessment process and then enter into discussions regarding adaptation strategies.

The workshop for Bellingen Shire Local Government Area will be held on Thursday, 22 April 2010, from 6.00-8.00 pm at the Council Chambers, 33-39 Hyde Street, Bellingen. Should you wish to have a representative attend the workshop, please RSVP by phone or email by Monday, 19 April, 2010 with the nominated person to lthomas@bellingen.nsw.gov.au or phone 02 6655 7337.

If you have any questions regarding the workshop please contact Liz Thomas on 6655 7337.

2. North Coast Energy Forum

What: Invitation to attend the North Coast Energy Forum

When: Friday 4th June 2010, Registration open now

Where: Bellingen Memorial Hall

Contact: Rachael Stewart-Rattray – ncenergyforum@gmail.com – 0423 112 472

The North Coast Energy Forum will explore low carbon energy generation opportunities on the NSW North Coast within the context of a more sustainable energy future. Community organisations, industry and government representatives will discuss a range of power options including smart grids, solar, gas, bioenergy, microhydro and wind. Dr Mark Diesendorf, renowned lecturer and author on sustainability, will initiate the discussion with his keynote address. This event presents significant opportunities for information sharing and networking with presentations and discussion forums to be held all day. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

The cost is $120 for corporate & government; and $60 for community groups & general public.

This event is run in conjunction with the Bellingen New Energy Festival (formerly Bellingen Renewable Energy Fair) to be held the following day on World Environment Day.

For more information about the North Coast Energy Forum or to register online you can visit www.ncenergyforum.org . Alternatively you can register by completing the attached word document (now attached as pdf) which you can submit via email and post (details are included within the document).

Please note that spaces at this event are limited, so please register early to ensure that you secure a place.

North Coast Energy Forum Registration