Leading Thinkers Track North To Focus On Australia's Resource Futures

Economists to focus on Northern Australia's environment at annual
conference

Economists from across Australia and the world will meet in Cairns this week to share
research and ideas at the 53rd Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society
(AARES) Conference. The theme of the conference is Tracking North: New Challenges in
Environmental and Resource Issues.

"The conference is an opportunity for researchers and practitioners in agriculture and natural
resource management to discuss the latest research and to hear broader perspectives about
where the issues fit in the Australian, New Zealand and world economies. This perspective
will come from some of the world's leading agriculture and resource economists" says
Professor John Rolfe, president of the conference organising committee.

Some key areas of focus for the conference include: emerging challenges in climate change
and emissions trading; future agriculture industries and development across Australia;
advances in environmental and natural resource management policy; marine and fishing; and
agricultural biotechnology. Invited speakers and their topics include:
Professor Ross Garnaut speaking on issues for Australia's agricultural and resources
sectors with an emissions trading scheme.
Professor Chris O'Donnell speaking on understanding factors behind agricultural
productivity and profitability.
Professor Kalaitzandonakes discussing the economics of agricultural biotechnology, what
have we learned from the past and what does this mean for the future.
Professor Phil Pardey speaking on strategic agricultural investment.
Professor David Pannell speaking on past, present and future issues for environmental and
natural resource management policies.
Professor John Quiggin and Professor Terry Hughes asking questions about the resilience
of the Great Barrier Reef and governance structures needed to enhance this.
Professor Hugh Possingham demonstrating how to prioritise effort and allocate funds to
biodiversity conservation problems.
Ms Jane Melanie speaking on development gains and growing pains for resources
industries in Australia's North.
Professor Peter Rogers presenting opportunities and potential issues for future Australian
biofuels.
Dr Paul McLeod addressing how to better manage recreational fishing in Australia.
Mr Kevin Goss speaking on how to enhance adoption of technology for an enhanced
farming future.

The conference will run from the 10th until the 13th of February 2009 at the Sebel Cairns
Hotel, Cairns.

Further information
The full conference program and media background is available at:
http://www.alloccasionsgroup.com/AARES09
Media Assistance: Anthea Coggan 0414 390 760 [email protected]
Shanna
Sheldrick
0437
377
107
[email protected]