Lawrence Kirton, Director of AgGrow Energy Resources will be presenting a case study at the conference on the Woodie Woodie Mine project in the Pilbara, Western Australia.

AgGrow Energy Resources has been undertaking a pilot project at the Pilbara mine with the objective of growing a suite of different high-yielding biomass crops using surplus water from the mine's de-watering process. Once the feedstock has been successfully harvested, they plan to produce electricity from the biomass.

Dr John Williams will also be another conference highlight with his presentation on Regional Sustainable Development and Integrated Catchment Management. John has extensive national and international experience in natural-resource management, particularly related to agriculture and its environmental impact. He has published more than 100 papers in soil physics/hydrology.

A panel from CENTROC will make a presentation on the Community Energy Efficiency Program or CEEP as it is more commonly known.

With funding from the Australian Government as part of the Community Energy Efficiency Program, Central NSW Councils have been installing more energy-efficient lighting, pumps, pool heating, and refrigeration. Inspired by the activity being undertaken by City of Sydney, panel presenters will talk about the project from both a local government perspective and an industry perspective.

Hosted by Cowra Council and Cowra Natural Resource Management Advisory Committee, the 2014 Futures Forum - Sustaining Regional Communities conference is being held at the Cowra Showground Pavilion.

Registration for the day is $55 and includes a breakfast of local produce provided by Cowra Public School P&C and a tasting of local wines from Rosnay Organic Winery at the end of the day.

For further information and to download a registration form, visit: www.cowracouncil.com.au.