The Institute of Foresters of Australia will be holding its next National Conference at The Events Centre, Caloundra, Queensland, Australia from 6 - 10 September, 2009.

The exciting theme chosen for the 2009 Conference is, Forestry: a climate of change.

The conference technical program includes keynote addresses from well-credentialed forestry professionals, over 50 oral paper presentations, student poster presentations, plenary panel discussions and diverse field days, all focused on the following topical sub-themes:

• Climate change scenarios
• Climate change impacts and adaptation challenges for forestry
• Climate change mitigation opportunities for forestry and forest-based industries
• The changing role of forests
• Reshaping the forestry agenda
• Promoting innovation in forest management and processing.

While the conference sub-themes seek to cover the broad and complex spectrum of challenges facing the forestry profession and forest-based industries in the current ‘climate of change’, the strong focus on climate change at this conference appropriately recognises the widely held belief that it is the main issue facing the sustainability of life on earth.

In an international political environment that is moving to address previous inaction, the need for rigorous policy development by foresters and forest-based industries is critical to shaping public and government perception and action.

With 350 delegates expected, this conference will be the largest gathering of professional foresters in Australia that will occur in the next four years. Caloundra, a premier tourist and conference destination on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, is perfectly located for the holding of this conference, being located within one of Australia’s largest and most diverse forestry regions. Early September has been selected for the holding of this conference to take advantage of the idyllic Spring weather experienced in Caloundra at this time of year.

We encourage you to show your support for the Institute of Foresters of Australia, by registering to attend the Conference, and by taking advantage of this unique opportunity to be at the forefront of the climate of change sweeping through Australia’s forests and forest-based industries.