The Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Greg Combet, and Victorian Senator, Gavin Marshall, today welcomed the independent Climate Commission’s return to regional Victoria as its public engagement forums continue around the country.

Tonight's forum, being held at Monash University Gippsland Campus in Churchill, will give local residents the opportunity to engage with the Commissioners on the science and economics of climate change.

"The Government is committed to developing an ongoing consensus with the community over taking action on climate change, including providing further information about the science and impacts of climate change," said Mr Combet.

The Climate Commission has also used the visit to highlight a range of potential vulnerabilities and also opportunities for the state, with the release of its supplementary report The Critical Decade: Impacts for Gippsland, Victoria.

The report – which identifies potential challenges that changes in rainfall patterns will have for agriculture and water supply, as well as higher temperatures and the risk of bushfires – follows the May release of the report, The Critical Decade: Climate Science Risks and Responses.

Mr Combet said the Commission's report would assist local authorities by providing them with another resource to drawn upon for future planning.

"It’s essential the wider community is informed about the impacts of climate change and that they have access to independent, factual advice to draw on," Mr Combet said.

Senator Marshall agreed that the opportunity for planners in the state’s south east to gain further scientific advice about potential climate change risks was important.

"This report is a helpful planning tool, specific to the Gippsland regions and its surrounds. It identifies the likely impacts of climate change unless strategic, effective steps are taken," Senator Marshall said.

The Climate Commission was launched in February and is led by Professor Tim Flannery, an internationally recognised scientist, explorer and conservationist. Professor Flannery is supported by a number of eminent Australians who are leaders in their fields including Professor Will Steffen, Professor Lesley Hughes, Dr Susannah Eliott, Mr Gerry Hueston and Mr Roger Beale. The Commissioners have expertise in climate change science, science communications, business, public policy and economics. They are also supported by a Science Advisory Panel.

The Climate Commission fulfils an election commitment by the Gillard Government, to establish an independent body providing expert advice and information on climate change to the community.

Previously the Climate Commission has held public forums in Geelong, Ipswich, Port Macquarie, Mackay, Parliament House in Canberra, Elizabeth, Tamworth, Wollongong, Bunbury and Perth.

Further information about the Climate Commission can be found at www.climatecommission.gov.au.