AgFutures News
September 2011
AgFutures history
AgFutures is part of a Victorian Government initiative to help farmers and farm communities better understand the challenges arising from unprecedented change over the next decade. For more information about the AgFutures program visit: www.dpi.vic.gov.au/AgFutures
This Issue
- AgFutures inspires exploration of renewable energy in regional Victoria
- AgFutures upcoming events
- Staff update
- AgFutures team contacts
AgFutures inspires exploration of renewable energy in regional Victoria
A partnership between AgFutures, Pyrenees Shire Council and Central Highlands Agribusiness Forum (CHAF) saw a Bioenergy forum held in Beaufort that attracted over 50 people from regional and metropolitan areas.
Beaufort is a small town in the Pyrenees Shire which is facing the challenge of 'Strengthening the management and sustainable utilisation of the region's natural resources and environmental assets for an impending future that is likely to be drier, where energy will be more expensive and there will be greater competing forces for the region's resources.'
The forum addressed this challenge in relation to producing renewable energy and fuel from local products and was attended by local government representatives from 4 regions; Department of Primary Industries staff, the Grampians Pyrenees Regional Development Board, 18 farmers, CHAF and Bioenergy companies.
As a result of this forum, CHAF initiated the lodging of two applications for funding to complete a feasibility study and establish a pilot bioenergy plant at the Beaufort Hospital. The first step produced a business case to establish the viability of substituting LPG with bioenergy at the hospital site.
State government funding has recently been announced with $600,000 being allocated for the Beaufort Hopsital biomass thermal energy system.
This story highlights how an AgFutures event can be the catalyst for a community to seek and pursue opportunities that are arising in the changing rural landscape.
AgFutures upcoming events
Kaniva - Friday, September 16
Kaniva and Nhill district farmers and residents have the opportunity to gain a better understanding of weather forecasting and Victorian climate drivers during a free forum at Kaniva on Friday, September 16.
Local WIN News weather presenter and meteorologist Jane Bunn, along with Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Climate Knowledge Project Leader Chris Gerbing, will present at the forum.
WIN News meteorologist and weather presenter Jane Bunn will give a presentation on weather basics, accuracy of weather forecasting and interpreting weather forecasts, including words to look out for and how they apply to farmers.
Chris Gerbing will explain these processes using DPI’s award-winning Climatedogs animation series, which represent the El Nino Southern Oscillation, the Southern Annular Mode, the Indian Ocean Dipole and the Sub-tropical Ridge.
Kinglake - Tuesday, October 4
AgFutures in partnership with Kinglake Ranges Business Network (KRBN ) is holding a forum at the Kinglake Pub - Lawsons Restaurant.
This forum will commence at 6.30 for a 7pm start. There will be a light meal available.
The evening will have Graeme Anderson, a specialist in Climate Change as a guest speaker from DPI. There will be an opportunity for participants to contribute their thoughts on what information they would like to be available to help their business look towards the future in food and fibre production.
To attend this forum please contact: Sherin Halliday, DPI on (03) 5482 0453 or Robyn Tymms, KRBN on (03) 5786 1976.
Newbridge / Loddon Shire - TBA
AgFutures is currently working on an event in partnership with the VFF and the North Central CMA. Topics are currently being decided but there will be a climate component to the day. Stay tuned for more details of this event that will be held later this year.
Staff update
There have been several changes to the team in recent times with staff leaving to pursue new opportunities and taking family and personal leave.
We would like to wish Robyn Bell and Lucy Stott all the best in their new roles and thank them for their contribution to the AgFutures project.
We would also like to congratulate Karen Thomas on the arrival of baby Flynn on 19th July and Sheri Streilein on her marriage on 30th July.
Please note the AgFutures team contact list below.
AgFutures team contacts
Project Manager, Agricultural Futures
Sherin Halliday
Phone: (03) 5482 0453
Email: sherin.halliday@dpi.vic.gov.au
Project Leader
Sheri Streilein
Phone: (03) 5482 0457
Email: sheri.streilein@dpi.vic.gov.au
Project Officer
Alistair Christie
Phone: (03) 5161 1352
Email: alistair.christie@dpi.vic.gov.au
Project Officer
Alice Clanchy
Phone: (03) 5833 5367
Email: alice.clanchy@dpi.vic.gov.au
Communications & Project Officer
Sheree Burke
Phone: (03) 5824 5523
Email: sheree.burke@dpi.vic.gov.au
Or you can contact us via email: ag.futures@dpi.vic.gov.au
