This Report records the proceedings of the third Annual CURF Forum. In previous years we have focused on connecting research and practice for a sustainable Capital Region, and strengthening regional resilience in Canberra and the region.
This year we were conscious that with a Federal election, an ACT Legislative Assembly election, and elections for a number of re-organised NSW local government areas there was much change in the air. New issues were emerging and established approaches were being challenged as economic, social and environmental concerns become more mainstream.
While there is a sense of achievement in many areas, there is an atmosphere of challenge:
• How do we build a sustainable, prosperous and equitable future for ourselves, our communities and our region?
• What are the ‘people’ or social issues we face these?
• How can we effectively tackle the challenges?
• How can we further develop our sense of ‘place’ in Canberra and the region?
• How can we make the most of our strengths and opportunities, and plan for a successful future?
These were the key issues explored in the 2016 CURF Annual Forum. This report groups the discussions around the four CURF themes of: Settlements and Infrastructure; Green Growth; Health and Well-being; and Climate Change and Sustainability.
In this Forum we brought together leaders in government, the private sector, NGOs and business, as well as an international
key note speaker to share their insights and spark informative and spirited discussions on how we could plan and prepare for
a sustainable future for Canberra and our region. This Report records the results of these discussions.