Another successful Casey–Cardinia business breakfast was held on June21 at the Cardinia Cultural Centre, with 200 people from the region’s business community in attendance.

Professor Tim Flannery, one of Australia’s most respected environmentalists and a world renowned expert on climate change, was the event’s guest speaker.

The Chief Commissioner of the Australian Climate Commission and former Australian of the Year spoke about the urgent need for action on climate change, saying its impacts were already being felt across the country, including in the Casey Cardinia region.

“The 2009 Black Saturday bushfires in areas including Cardinia Shire were caused by a unique set of conditions that were off-the-scale. Their severity was all to do with climate change.”

But the former Cockatoo resident said all is not lost, with Australia gradually moving towards renewable energy. He said we are now using much less coal to produce electricity, thanks to more wind farms and more people installing solar panels to help the environment and reduce power bills.

“We can all become our own power provider, which is exciting. In future this will help reduce electricity distribution costs, because it is being produced locally.”

Professor Flannery said there are a number of things we can do as individuals to help slow the impacts of climate change.

“Consider installing solar panels on your home or business. Also, I encourage everyone to join a local environment or climate change action group, and to talk to your local MP about their views on climate change. Ask them to get behind clean energy initiatives.”

He said Cardinia Shire and Casey businesses should always be on the lookout for grants from government programs and organisations such as the Clean Energy Finance Corporation to help with the cost of installing renewable energy technologies.

Professor Flannery says 7 to 8 per cent of Australians are climate change sceptics, and many will never sway from their beliefs. “But the evidence is there, and our community needs quality information to make up their own minds.”
Professor Flannery’s vast knowledge of climate change captured the audience’s full attention throughout his address, and inspired some interesting and thought provoking questions.

Cardinia Shire Mayor Cr Brett Owen said the Casey–Cardinia business breakfasts are seen by local business operators as a great way to regularly catch up with friends in business, make new contacts and keep up to date with fresh and important ideas relating to the business world.

“Since the event series began last year, some very high profile and inspiring guest speakers have joined us, including Ita Buttrose, Peter Fitzsimons and Steve Moneghetti.

“It’s wonderful that local residents don’t have to travel far to hear from some of Australia’s best known and most highly regarded personalities,” Cr Owen said.

“Many people from our region’s business community never miss a business breakfast. They are regarded as being very informative and enjoyable, which is reflected in their consistently strong attendance.”

The Casey–Cardinia business breakfast series is hosted by Cardinia Shire Council, the City of Casey, Monash University and the Melbourne Football Club, with additional support from major sponsor Telstra and media partner Star News Group.

The series is one of several initiatives Cardinia Shire Council and the City of Casey jointly delivers to help build local business connections and encourage business investment in the Casey Cardinia region.

The next Casey–Cardinia business breakfast on Wednesday 18 September at Cranbourne Golf Club will feature former swimming champion Libby Trickett as guest speaker. Tickets are $45 per person (including GST) or $600 (including GST) to sponsor a table of 10. Visit www.trybooking.com/51655 to book.

For more information contact Council’s Economic Development team on 1300 787 624 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.