Decarbonisation Accelerated Summit: Your Last Chance to Be Part of the Future.

Sustainability leaders, deep tech investors and resource industry leaders are just some of the thought-provoking speakers who will share their experiences and insights at the Decarbonisation Accelerated Summit.

The summit will be held on Thursday May 23, at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC) and will feature morning and afternoon panel sessions.

During the panel sessions, each panellist will share invaluable insights and practical strategies to propel businesses towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) chief executive officer Ms Kylie Porter said the Decarbonisation Accelerated Summit is a unique opportunity for our local businesses to hear about the latest solutions and strategies for a low carbon future.

"We believe that our region has the potential to be a leader in decarbonisation, and this summit is an important step towards achieving that vision.

"As the summit moves closer, we urge local businesses throughout the regions and across all industries to consider spending a day to learn about what is not only in our future but what is here, working in our community today.

"We encourage everyone to secure their tickets as soon as possible to ensure they don't miss out,” Ms Porter said.

Resources Centre of Excellence (RCOE) Mr Steven Boxall said the initial focus of setting up Decarbonisation Accelerated was about the METS sector and its critical role in supporting the coal sector to decarbonise, this summit is the first step on that journey for many.

"This summit will provide a forum for exploring the opportunities and challenges ahead, and for networking with industry experts and peers.

"Decarbonisation will impact the entire Australian resources sector and we believe that our local businesses and industries have the potential to thrive.

"I encourage everyone to attend the summit to learn more about how to secure the economy of our region and the jobs of the future."

The Decarbonisation Accelerated Summit opens at 8.30am with featured keynotes throughout the day including change strategist Michael McQueen; ThinkZero founder and Managing director Cle-Anne Gabriel; and Founder of Goterra Olympia Yarger.

In addition to the keynote presentations, the summit will also feature thought-provoking panel discussions with experts from diverse sectors. The morning panel will answer the question, "Why Should We Be Excited About Decarbonisation?" and will feature Charlotte Connell from Climate Zeitgeist, Phil Morle from Main Sequence, and Drristy Nell, a Decarbonisation Specialist. The panel will be facilitated by Resources Centre of Excellence (RCOE) CEO Steven Boxall.

Charlotte Connell- is an award-winning sustainability leader and Director of Impact at Climate Zeitgeist.

On the morning panel, Charlotte will speak about unlocking Australia’s potential to be the climate tech superpower and how to connect climate solutions to capital and customers.

Phil Morle- is a partner at leading venture capital firm Main Sequence that was founded by Australia’s national science agency – CSIRO.

He will share stories about investing in groundbreaking deep tech companies that have strong connections with research and how he has advised some of the world’s biggest organisations on practical ways to deliver new growth and cultural change.

Dr Kristy Nell- is an expert in carbon emissions management and general sustainability in mining. Kristy's qualifications in chemical engineering have led her to further research in carbon emission monitoring and energy transition.

As a member of the morning panel, Dr Nell will explore her wealth of knowledge in the industry and talk about ways to assist the mining sector in achieving its sustainability targets.

In the afternoon panel, Dr Neville Pint from Mining3, Jenny Agnew from Sedgman and Kieran Cusack from QLD Hydro will join facilitator GW3 CEO Kylie Porter to discuss where the regions are placed in their decarbonisation journey currently and provide suggestions on overcoming the hurdles and leveraging potential.

Dr Neville Plint- is a visionary leader in the mining industry. With over 30 years of experience in the sector, Neville has established himself as a trailblazer in driving sustainable growth and technological advancements.

Currently serving as Chief Executive Officer at Mining3, Neville is at the forefront of revolutionising mining practices through cutting-edge research and development initiatives.

Jenny Agnew- is the Business Sustainability Manager for a leading provider of minerals processing and associated infrastructure solutions Sedgman.

With 22 years of experience in the resources industry and a degree in chemical engineering, Jenny's passion for integrating environmental, social and governance factors into strategic and operational decision-making will provide unparalleled advice to assist the region's businesses.

Kieran Cusack- is the Chief Executive Officer of Queensland Hydro and has vast experience across the electrical and heavy industrial sectors.

Joining the afternoon panel, Kieran will explore how Queensland Hydro will work within the region to assist on its decarbonisation journey.

Alongside the panels and keynotes, the summit will also feature four breakout streams where attendees can learn more about various aspects of decarbonisation, including people, industry, environment, and opportunity.

The Decarbonisation Accelerated Summit will conclude with networking drinks at 4.30pm.

Tickets will remain on sale for only a few more days. To find out more information and book tickets visit the Decarbonisation Accelerated website here.

The Decarbonisation Accelerated Summit is a joint initiative of the Resources Centre of Excellence (RCOE) and Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3).

Greater Whitsunday Alliance is the region’s peak, independent economic development body committed to making the Mackay, Isaac, Whitsunday region strong for generations.