Mr Birrell said the Climate Leadership and Jobs Summit was being supported by Environmental Leadership Australia, a not-for-profit group that aimed to increase the number and influence of community and political leaders who were champions for stronger climate policy.
“Energy transition is going to be a necessity over time. Like I said in my maiden speech, it’s how we act on climate change, not if we act,” Mr Birrell said.
“Energy transition is going to happen and the business and Nicholls communities need to be as informed as possible to be able to make their transition while still remaining competitive and productive.”
He said the summit aimed to focus on how the Goulburn-Murray region could continue to grasp the new economic opportunities as Australia moved to net zero by 2050 with bipartisan support.
Mr Birrell said the event would see 13 leading climate researchers, scientists, experts and community leaders speak, including his sister, Dr Sarah Birrell Ivory, who is director of the University of Edinburgh Centre for Business, Climate Change and Sustainability.
Others include Australian National University Climate Change Institute director Professor Mark Howden and Beyond Zero Emissions chief executive Heidi Lee.
Former AFL premiership star Jordan Roughead, who has studied the impact of consumerism on the environment, will also be in attendance.
“I’m determined to create relationships between energy experts and leaders in Nicholls to ensure jobs, profitability and productivity grow in our region long into the future,” Mr Birrell said.
Although some parliamentary members of the Coalition have fought against climate action, Mr Birrell said he would push ahead with whatever was right for his electorate.
“I’m the Member for Nicholls and yes, I’m in the National Party, but I work with my community about what’s important for them,” he said.
“It’s just a question of how we do it, and it’s very important that we do it while keeping our businesses and our economy strong.”
The Climate Leadership and Jobs Summit is by invitation only, with the guest list developed by community leaders and local organisations.
It will be held in Shepparton next week over two days, on February 23 and 24.
