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TNQ Drought Hub Proudly Supports 2025 Western Cape Futures Symposium

The TNQ Drought Hub, led by James Cook University (JCU) is proud to once again support the Western Cape Futures Symposium, returning to Weipa from 7–8 May 2025. Now in its second biennial edition, the Symposium will bring together a nationwide cohort of government agencies, industry leaders, innovators, and Traditional Owners to showcase the economic opportunity and resilience of Queensland’s Western Cape region.

An initiative of the Western Cape Chamber of Commerce, the Symposium positions the Western Cape Peninsula as a region rich in culture, natural resources, and investment potential.

“The Symposium is important to the region on many levels. It not only brings people to the Western Cape but also gives our local community a chance to directly connect with policymakers and innovators. It highlights successful initiatives from elsewhere that could be adapted to benefit our region,” says Jaime Gane, Symposium Chair and Chair of the Weipa Town Authority.

The TNQ Drought Hub, which focuses on building resilient, diversified economies and strengthening regional sustainability, sees the event as an important driver for Cape York’s future.

TNQ Drought Hub SATSIE Program Lead Jim Turnour presenting at the first Western Cape Futures Symposium
"We support this event as we recognise its real potential to drive economic diversification and strengthen food and water security across Cape York. We are particularly looking forward to hearing about opportunities for a united approach, managing our natural assets and indigenous innovation," says TNQ Drought Hub Director Professor David Phelps.

A Two-Day Showcase of Ideas, Innovation, and Connection

Across two dynamic days of combined and breakout sessions, delegates will explore the Western Cape’s investment opportunities, community initiatives, and unique position in the Asia-Pacific region. The Symposium is designed around the value of connectivity, bringing together innovators, Traditional Owners, local businesses, community members, and policymakers in a high-energy forum focused on shaping a resilient future.

Highlights of the 2025 program include keynote addresses from:

  • Professor Tom Calma AO – Social justice advocate and Co-Chair of the Indigenous Voice to Parliament Advisory Group
  • Professor Veena Sahajwalla – Internationally renowned pioneer in sustainable materials and recycling science
  • Shaun Fisher – Aquaculture innovator reshaping marine sustainability through native oyster projects in Moreton Bay
  • Dr Jim Turnour, TNQ Drought Hub – Indigenous Water rights and the opportunities and challenges these rights present.
With a variety of speakers, the program promises rich conversations around creating future-ready economies, environmental stewardship, and culturally inclusive growth.
"We’re thrilled to present an inspiring program featuring world-class thinkers and local champions. With over 50 speakers, the Symposium will spark vital conversations on resilient, future-focused economies," says Jennifer McHugh, Symposium Coordinator and TNQ Drought Hub and JCU Program Coordinator.

The event also features multiple networking events, local site tours, and showcases the natural beauty and vibrancy of Weipa and surrounding townships.

Building Futures with Strong Local Support

The 2025 Symposium has received overwhelming support from across Australia, and its success is made possible by the collaboration of partners and sponsors.

“We’re especially proud to showcase strong local content and thank our incredible speakers, partners, and sponsors—including Space Centre Australia, TNQ Drought Hub, and NAB Indigenous Banking,” adds Ms Gane.

Western Cape Futures Symposium 23-24 March EH (28)
Jim Turnour - Western Cape Futures Symposium - Cape york Weekly (12)
Western Cape Futures Symposium 23-24 March EH (171)
10 L -R Deputy Mayor Kaylene Jawai Napranum Aboriginal Shire Council, Kyezaya Namai-Sabatino Western Cape College and Mayor Janita Motton Napranum Aboriginal Shire Council
Western Cape Futures Symposium 23-24 March EH (48)
Western Cape Futures Symposium 23-24 March EH (28)
Western Cape Futures Symposium 23-24 March EH (27)

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This program received funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.
We acknowledge the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of this country and pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and Elders, past and present, of the land on which we stand today, the Djabugay (pronounced Jap-ur-kai), Yirrganydji (pronounced Irri-kan-dji) and the Gimuy Yidinji (pronounced Goom-eye Yidinji) people (and all other country/people joining us today). In the spirit of reconciliation, we also acknowledge the valuable contribution that Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples continue to make to James Cook University and the broader community.

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