According to conference chair and NRM Leaders Group executive officer Sue Middleton, this is a conference program like none others of the many she has attended through her various roles in agriculture.

“We have called it The Tipping Point Conference – as we are determined to address the big elephants in the room – and ask have we tipped the balance, now that we are in a new world of funding, social license to operate and challenges to feed a hungry world,” Ms Middleton said.

The invited speaking team have welcomed their challenging briefs, spearheaded by Dr Harry Butler who shot to fame for his ABC In the Wild Series.

Now 84, Dr Butler remains a vibrant and challenging lecturer and will suggest to delegates that indeed we have ‘tipped’ but at the same time offer up strategies for managing that tip.

Joining Dr Butler on the speaking podium is international marketing consultant Craig Davis, who opens the conference with his acknowledgement that marketing-led consumerism has been a recipe for environmental disaster.

Mr Davis will set the scene by inviting delegates to “re-imagine capitalism” and under that light consider what benefits it may bring to owners and managers of the land.

His theories will be tested by subsequent speakers including former young environmentalist of the Year Larissa Brown and Future Proof CEO Tom Tolchard.

It will be Tolchard’s presentation however that is expected to weigh in to some of the biggest issues on the minds of NRM professionals and those in associated industries,  as he draws on his business experience to suggest there is a new paradigm now for not for profits and outlines new approaches to the business of Landcare.

The invited program also includes former CEO of the Northern Territory Cattleman’s Association, Luke Bowen, communications and registered lobbyist Donna Cole and UWA Winthrop Professor Steve Powles.

More than 60 abstracts were received from industry professionals vying for speaking spots in the concurrent sessions, so the plenary program is well supported by more technical and project specific sessions of choice on each day.

While the conference is designed for NRM professionals and agency groups, the invitation is open to all and farming, agricultural, fishery and forestry service providers will all find relevance in this program.

The conference includes a gala dinner with quality entertainment, supported by RDA.
To register go to www.nrmconferencewa.com.au