Regional Australia Minister Simon Crean today visited the Whyalla region in South Australia to hear first hand how the region is tackling the challenges of climate change.

Mr Crean addressed more than 70 people at a carbon forum hosted by the Whyalla and Eyre Peninsula Regional Development Authority (RDA) at the Westland Hotel.

Representatives from local district councils, RDAs and the Eyre Peninsula Local Government Association joined industry, business groups and education providers to discuss the Federal Government's decision to price carbon emissions.

Mr Crean said the region would help Australia reach its goal of 20 per cent renewable energy by 2020.

"South Australia is a hub of clean energy opportunities and hosts 54 per cent of the nation's installed wind capacity" Mr Crean said.

"The west coast has been identified as one of the top 10 worldwide locations for renewable energy, with potential to generate 1000MW."

Mr Crean said the Whyalla and Eyre Peninsula region had a number of projects underway to tackle climate change.

"It's clear that the community, including, councils, industry, education providers and the RDA, have embraced the opportunities that come with reducing carbon emissions," he said.

"The community is seeing the opportunities and seeing straight through Tony Abbott's fear campaign."

Mr Crean said examples of action included the Eyre Peninsula Regional Sector Agreement, created by RDA Whyalla and Eyre Peninsula.

"This agreement is the first of its kind in Australia and will actively engage the community in the opportunities that come with cutting carbon emissions," Mr Crean said.

"The Wizard Solar Oasis Power Project is also well advanced, with plans for a 40MW concentrated solar thermal demonstration plant using Australia's own 'Big Dish' technology.

"The Federal Government committed $60 million through the Renewable Energy Demonstration Program to this project, which will create 200 jobs during construction and provide enough energy to power 9500 homes and cut emissions by 60,000 tonnes per year.

"That is equivalent to taking 17,000 cars off the road."

Mr Crean also visited Mt Gambier to inspect a modern carbon farming enterprise at the Biological Farming Systems Outcomes facility in Mil Lel.

Source: http://www.minister.regional.gov.au/sc/releases/2011/august/sc098_2011.aspx

Also see:  http://www.minister.regional.gov.au/sc/pressconf/2011/SCT052_2011.aspx