VECCI will today hold a Forum on environment and water issues at its head office in Albert Street, East Melbourne.
The keynote speaker at the VECCI Forum on Community Participation in Land and Waterways Sustainability will be the Acting Premier and Minister for Water, Environment and Climate Change, the Hon John Thwaites MP.
“The Forum is timely as we discuss how we avoid in future the recent devastation wrought by the drought and bushfires and the resultant negative impact on businesses, communities and the environment - as well as how we share and replenish our depleted waterways, reservoirs and national parks going forward,” says VECCI Chief Executive Officer, Mr Neil Coulson.
“After the Acting Premier has addressed the Forum, key stakeholders will take part in a panel discussion exploring their perspectives on preserving and sharing our natural resources going forward: Panellists are:
- The Hon John Button, Chairman of VECCI TaskForce on Community Participation in Land and Waterways Sustainability
- Ms Joanne Butterworth-Gray, Chief Executive Officer - Victorian Wine Industry Association
- Dr Jennifer Marohasy, Senior Fellow – Institute of Public Affairs
- Dr Paul Sinclair, Acting Executive Director - Environment Victoria
“Among the issues to be discussed are:
- How do we establish a culture of interdependence re water saving between agriculture, business, Government and wider community?
- What should the hierarchy be re water saving? eg. recycling, desalination etc.
- What is the latest technology available that can assist?
- Whose natural assets are they?
- Should we value natural assets and, if so, how?
Questions from the floor will then be sought.
“The Community Participation in Land and Waterways Sustainability TaskForce Forum
Is part of the engagement process around VECCI’s second Victoria Summit, which will take place at Parliament House, Victoria on Thursday 15 November 2007”, says Mr Coulson.
The VECCI Forum on Community Participation in Land and Waterways Sustainability will be held on Thursday 17 May between 10.30am (sharp) and 12 noon at VECCI, Level 5, 486 Albert Street, East Melbourne – the Forum will be followed by a sandwich lunch. |
