2025 Surat Basin Coexistence Symposium

We're proud to host the Surat Basin Coexistence Symposium in its inaugural year on Thursday, 31 July 2025 in the Western Downs. 

Hear real life experiences and learn what’s work what hasn’t and what the future holds

This pivotal event aims to bring together energy and agriculture companies, industry and local stakeholders to share their experiences and insights on coexistence in a region renowned for its mature energy and agricultural landscapes.

The primary objective of the conference is to highlight the collaborative efforts between landholders and energy companies in our region. Through firsthand experiences and real-world insights, participants will gain insight into the challenges and successes of working together and explore how we can continue to work together to form sustainable, enduring relationships particularly exploring environmental, social and governance (ESG) requirements and meeting industry and community expectations.

Join us at the inaugural Surat Basin Coexistence Conference to be part of these vital conversations and contribute to shaping the future of the Toowoomba and Surat Basin region. Together, we can harness the potential of the energy landscape while preserving and enhancing our agricultural heritage.

MEET THE SPEAKERS

Cathy McGowen AO – Former Member of Indi and current Chair of AgriFutures

Cathy came to national attention when she won the seat of Indi as an independent in 2013. During her time as a politician Cathy actively worked in Parliament to develop policy around regional development, constitutional change for first nations people and a solution to the indefinite detention of asylum seekers.

Leaving Politics, Cathy was appointed Chair of the AgriFutures Australia, a leading agricultural research and development corporation. She has taken a particular interest in the impact on rural and regional communities of the transition to net zero.

Warwick Squire - Chief Executive Officer, Coexistence Queensland

Warwick Squire is an experienced executive with over 20 years experience across mining, resources, energy, agriculture and natural resource management. He has extensive expertise cultivating productive relationships, particularly in the resources and agricultural sectors, throughout rural and regional communities. Currently, Warwick is Chief Executive Officer of the Coexistence Queensland, a role which has seen him work extensively with rural landholders, communities, agricultural and resource and energy companies, peak bodies and three tiers of Government to achieve positive coexistence outcomes.

Jo Sheppard – CEO, Queensland Farmers’ Federation

Formerly an elected councillor for 12 years including Mayor for 4 years with the Paroo Shire Council, Jo has a sound understanding of regional and remote Queensland and extensive experience in economic development and advocacy. Other roles have included CEO with the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce, and Director – Stakeholder Engagement with the University of Southern Queensland, Jo is now CEO with the Queensland Farmers Federation. QFF is Queensland’s peak agricultural representative body, working collaboratively with its peak body members to progress issues and challenges facing farmers across the State. Collectively, QFF through its peak body members represent over 13,000 Queensland farmers.

Katie-Ann Mulder - CEO, Queensland Renewable Energy Council

Katie-Anne has over 15 years’ experience in industry development and policy and is the CEO of the Queensland Renewable Energy Council, representing large scale renewable energy development across Queensland. Katie-Anne’s experience is grounded in representing and advising large scale industries on leading practice regulatory frameworks across the mining and gas industries and now the renewable energy industry. Working at both the Federal and State levels of government, Katie-Anne has a deep understanding of policy development and pathways to implement and review.

Keld Knudsen – Director, Queensland - Australian Energy Producers

Keld is an experienced policy and government relations professional with an in-depth understanding of the upstream petroleum industry, energy markets and related policy issues. Keld has held positions in government, industry and representative associations.

Proudly sponsored by:

Showcase your brand to an audience of  industry leaders in the energy sector by sponsoring the 2025 Surat Basin Coexistence Symposium. With flexible sponsorship packages to fit any budget, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact. Contact us at [email protected] to disucss your options.

**TSBE members will recieve and have first priority for sponsorship opportunities as per our membership level offerings-please contact TSBE to become a member.

View the TSBE General Attendance Terms and Conditions.