Climate change industry advisory groups
To ensure industry and other stakeholders are well-consulted in the delivery of our Climate Change Action Plan 2023–26, we have begun establishing Industry Advisory Groups, starting with the mining and agriculture sectors.
These two groups will inform actions to support the mining and agriculture sectors to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for and respond effectively to climate risks. These groups will be integral to the ongoing dialogue between industry, community, independent experts, the EPA, and other agencies on potential options, gaps, risks and opportunities, relevant to the sector.
The EPA invited key industry and community organisations to nominate a representative for the groups with appropriate skills, expertise and knowledge relevant to their sectors. The groups will meet at a minimum twice a year.
Mining group
- Nancy Chang (Chair), Executive Director Strategy and Policy, NSW Environment Protection Authority
- Steve Phillips, Committee Member, Hunter Community Environment Centre
- Professor Eric Kennedy, School of Engineering (Chemical Engineering), University of Newcastle
- Damian Dwyer, Head of Policy, Low Emissions Technology Australia
- David Frith, Director of Policy, NSW Minerals Council
- Sandy Tickell, Group Manager Carbon Planning and Abatement, Glencore
- Ben Fitzsimmons, Manager Business Support, South 32
- Liam Wilson, Head of HSECT, Idemitsu
- Tania Kiley, Manager Climate, Santos
At the introductory meeting of the Climate Change Mining Advisory Group the EPA’s CEO, Tony Chappel welcomed the group members and outlined the EPA’s vision for the group.
The EPA provided an overview of the EPA Climate Change Policy and Action Plan, as well as the EPA’s recent climate change survey and preliminary findings from the mining sector.
The EPA outlined that preliminary results from its recent climate change survey show there is significant scope to work with our licensees to improve their management of climate change matters. The EPA is still reviewing results and will be releasing these early next year.
Executive Director Strategy and Policy, Nancy Chang said the EPA is looking forward to collaborating and sharing knowledge with the members to get the settings right as the EPA implements its climate change action plan.
“We’ll be seeking advice from the group members as we develop a practical policy for reducing, monitoring and reporting on greenhouse gas emissions.
“The EPA is working closely with the Commonwealth and other jurisdictions and this group will form an important part of the conversation, providing on-ground advice and insights.”
The next group meeting is intended for February 2024.
Agriculture group
- Nancy Chang (Co-Chair), Executive Director Strategy and Policy, NSW Environment Protection Authority
- Kate Lorimer-Ward (Co-Chair), Deputy Director General – Department of Primary Industries, Regional NSW
- Oscar Pearse, Member, Farmers for Climate Action
- Professor Benjamin Smith, Network Lead, Land and Primary Industries Network, NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub
- Nick Savage, Policy Director – Environment, NSW Farmers
- Megan Hill, Policy Lead Natural Resource Management, Dairy Australia
- Tanya Pittard, General Manager of Policy and Industry Engagement, Australian Pork Limited
- Tammy Biffin, Manager of Industry Standards, Australian Meat Industry Council
- Steven Fox, Board Member, Australian Livestock Markets Association
- Michael Lancaster, General Manager Policy & Biosecurity, Australian Lot Feeders Association
At the meeting of the Climate Change Agriculture Advisory Group the EPA’s Executive Director, Strategy and Policy, Nancy Chang welcomed the group members.
The Co-Chairs, Nancy Chang (EPA) and Kate Lorimer-Ward (DPI) provided an update on both the EPA Climate Change Policy and Action Plan, and the NSW Government’s Climate Change approach.
The EPA outlined the recent climate change survey and results specific to the agricultural sector. Members were taken through a preview version of the online survey dashboard which explains the results of the survey and will be available on the EPA’s website early this year.
A discussion was had with Members regarding a proposed work plan for the group, and what needs to be included in future meetings. A work plan for the group will be drafted and circulated to members for comment.
Executive Director Strategy and Policy, Nancy Chang noted the EPA is looking forward to further collaboration and knowledge sharing with the Members as the EPA implements its climate change action plan.
The next group meeting is intended for June 2024.
At the introductory meeting of the Climate Change Agriculture Advisory Group the EPA’s CEO, Tony Chappel welcomed the group members and outlined the EPA’s vision, purpose and function for the group.
The EPA provided an overview of the EPA Climate Change Policy and Action Plan, which is structured around 3 pillars: inform & plan, mitigate, and adapt.
The EPA outlined preliminary findings from the agriculture sector from its recent climate change survey. This shows there is significant scope to work with our licensees across the agricultural sector to improve their management of climate change matters. The EPA noted it is still reviewing results and will present to the group further on this and intends to release results on its website early next year.
The Group will be Co-Chaired by the EPA, Executive Director Strategy and Policy Nancy Chang and NSW Department of Primary Industries, Deputy Director General, Kate Lorimer-Ward. This provides a joined-up voice into and across government.
EPA Executive Director Strategy and Policy Nancy Chang said the agricultural sector is very diverse and working with the members of this group will provide important insights.
“At the meeting members discussed the methods for adaption, noting that emissions, risks and impacts will be different across the sectors within agriculture. This included the need to understand where emissions are coming from and where they can be reduced.
“The meeting agreed that the inform and plan stage was a good place to start on the action plan, to gather information and evidence to inform the path forward.
“The group discussed the need to consider influences outside the agricultural sector, including at the state and federal level and across other industries.
“The group also discussed the scale of the agricultural sector and how agriculture businesses and the broader community could be supported and brought on the journey to engage in the material to reduce climate risks, without undue burden.”
The next meeting is intended to be in February 2024.