On Thursday 24 March from 6.30 - 8.00pm the Corangamite Climate Alliance will be hosting a Corangamite Candidates Forum focused on climate change.
"The area stands to gain profound economic opportunities from job creation in renewable energy manufacturing, if we are given the right support from the federal government," said Laura Grufus, the local organiser of Australian Parents for Climate Action, which is part of the Corangamite Climate Alliance.
"We have a job-ready workforce here with the skills and background to embrace renewable energy technology manufacture - from manufacture of electric vehicles to batteries and solar panels, our valued tradespeople and vicinity to shipping ports makes us a prime candidate for being leaders in the changing global markets.
"But we also stand to lose from the significant impacts of climate change if our federal government does not take adequate climate action. Extreme weather conditions have already battered our area over the last 6 months, impacting residents and businesses with flood and wind damage. Significant coastal erosion and sea level rise is another huge risk to our community.
"That's why we need to know what our local federal election candidates will do to address both the risks of climate change and how they will harness and drive local opportunities for a cleaner, stronger economy.
"We invite our community to attend - to get informed and inspired about the future we can create with strong federal leadership."
The local member, Labor's Libby Coker MP, along with Liberal candidate Stephanie Asher and the Greens' Alex Marshall have all confirmed their attendance. We are awaiting confirmation from other candidates.
The Corangamite federal electorate extends along from the Surf Coast, to the edge of Geelong, and back to Inverleigh and Bannockburn.
The forum will be moderated by respected Surf Coast journalist Tim Lamacraft and is being held as an in-person event at Peter Thwaites Theater at Deakin University Waurn Ponds.
To book your tickets go to https://www.trybooking.com/BYCKC
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