GWYMAC Landcare has organised the event, which will allow participants to discuss practical solutions to the threat of climate change.

The forum will be divided into three sessions, the first is a general background on climate change, the second solutions on what can be done at home, on the farm and urban design and the final session will focus on emerging opportunities. New England MP Tony Windsor is opening the forum.

Guest speakers include Ken McLeod from The Ethos Foundation who will highlight the challenges faced in the future, Lynette Bourne from the Department of Environment and Climate Change who will give advice on what can be done in the home, Alan Lauder will give a farmer’s point of view on carbon grazing and reducing methane emissions in cattle, climatologist Sarah Hall will cover building sustainable communities, Ben Keogh from Landcare Australia will present CarbonSmart and financial incentives for private landholders, Southern Cross University lecturer Dr Jeff Parr will discuss soil carbon sequestration and agricultural opportunities and Andrew Burnard from the Department of Water and Energy is speaking on biochar, biodiesel and bioenergy.

At the end of the sessions, there will be an open forum involving all the guest speakers.

Several exhibitors will have displays, including new/alternative carbon reducing fertilizers and livestock supplements, to view during the lunch break and at the end of the day. The forum will finish with a sampling of local wine and olives. Major sponsors are the Border Rivers Gwydir Catchment Management Authority, Land & Water Australia and the NSW Farmers Association. The forum will be carbon neutral by means of conducting a carbon audit and sponsorship of the relevant amount of carbon credits by Todae - lifestyle for a sustainable future.

Farmers are encouraged to attend and the event is open to everyone.

The forum will provide participants with information about what you can do to improve the environment and secure the future.

There will also be home environmentally-friendly prizes and information bags.

The Community College, Inverell (formerly ACE) is sponsoring the first 14 tickets to those who call to book in response to this article, phone Landcare coordinator Fiona Adams on 6721 1241 for your booking.

n For more information email Fiona at gymacad@bigpond.net.au or download the registration form online at www.brg.cma.nsw.gov.au (see the news section on the home page).