Last week marked a historic event for our region as industry leaders from around the nation and globe gathered for the inaugural Innovative Industries for the Future Conference, held at the Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre. The conference, organised by South West Development Commission, provided a platform to discuss both the opportunities and challenges on the road to net zero. There is so much important content which I could cover but here are some of key takeaways for our region’s business community.
The event was opened by the Regional Minister, Hon. Don Punch MLA, who encouraged attendees to be curious and learn from one another. Troy Bennell welcomed everyone to Wardandi Country with his iconic didgeridoo and sticks, drawing us into the moment and reminding us of the rich culture surrounding us.
Dr. Ben Hamer, an accredited futurist, was introduced by Nick Byrne from the Great Southern Development Commission, who served as MC for the event. Dr. Hamer urged attendees to resist the trap of chronic short-termism, emphasising that leaders must prioritise long-term thinking to ensure sustainable growth. He noted that short-termism can hinder strategic planning and pose a significant obstacle to sustainable investment.
"Western Australia is at the forefront of our US-Australian Alliance, playing a leading role in AUKUS, critical minerals, space cooperation, and much more. These partnerships present tremendous opportunities for innovation, new industries, and careers for communities throughout WA, including Bunbury and the South West," shared Siriana K. Nair, US Consul General for Western Australia.
Founding Partner of the IIF Conference and City of Bunbury’s Mayor, Jaysen San Miguel, spoke about the collaborative efforts required for success, remarking that Bunbury, as a second city, is well-positioned to attract future investments.
Catherine de Fontenay, Commissioner for the Productivity Commission, highlighted that while Australia’s global competitiveness is on the rise, the challenges in transitioning to a low-carbon and circular economy remain substantial. She stressed the importance of learning from others to keep the transition on track.
Accelerating skill development and industry growth to support a clean industrial future requires a dedicated roadmap for success. Geoff Crittenden, CEO of Weld Australia, emphasised the need for adaptability in industry and urged the utilisation of the existing underemployed workforce within the country.
Hydrogen was a prominent topic of interest, particularly for the aviation and transport sectors, with significant potential for sustainable advancements. Bankstown in Sydney has become the first location in Australia to offer hydrogen as a fuel source, paving the way for a more sustainable aviation industry.
At the conference, Maria Rennie, Consul General for Western Australia at the British Consulate Perth, launched the UK Government’s "Australian Hydrogen Market Study – Supply Chain Readiness Assessment," illustrating how the UK's achievements can help support our own energy transition. (Read the report here.)
In March 2025, Western Australia will host a one-day Clean Energy Summit where industry experts will discuss political, financial, and technological developments, as well as market outlooks for clean energy in WA. More information on the summit is available here.
A panel of three Consul Generals, moderated by Mike Deeks, former Australian Agent General to the UK, shared various funding opportunities to aid the transition. Listiana Operananta, Indonesian Consul General in Perth, highlighted the unique opportunities for collaboration between our neighboring countries, particularly in workforce and skill-sharing initiatives.
Kado Muir, a senior leader and Ngalia Traditional Owner, as well as a steering group member of the First Nations Clean Energy Network, advocated for First Nations involvement in clean energy projects. He emphasized the importance of considering and encouraging Indigenous participation. (View First Nations Energy Projects here.)
Russell Borthwick, Chief Executive of the Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, stressed the need for a carefully planned transition to cleaner energy. He acknowledged that fossil fuels would need to remain part of the energy mix until alternative sources are sufficient to meet demand. As an example, he noted that the UK, a net exporter of gas 20 years ago, now imports 55% of its gas—a figure projected to rise to 80% by the decade's end, a lesson for other regions to consider.
Clear and consistent communication with communities is critical in any transition, as misinformation can derail both opportunities and investments. Authentic, timely dialogue is needed at every stage of the transition. Here at the Bunbury Geographe Chamber of Commerce & Industry, we take pride in our role as connectors of opportunity, ensuring a bi-partisan approach that delivers best practices during this exciting, albeit challenging, time.
The IIF conference sparked significant discussion and interest among attendees. As a Chamber, supporting our region’s prosperity is a key priority, and I was encouraged to see our own members at the conference—not only as delegates but also as sponsors and contributors, actively participating in forward-thinking initiatives for our region.
As the inaugural event, we look forward to hearing suggestions for what can be included at the next conference in 2026.
