"The sad thing is nothing much is happening in this country," University of NSW renewable energy researcher Mark Diesendorf told the forum at the Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts.

"There is a complete failure of government action by both Labor and the Coalition, both state and federal governments and it's really only local governments with their very limited resources who are actually doing anything," Dr Diesendorf said.

He said a "self-styled greenhouse mafia" comprising representatives from the coal, oil, aluminium, cement, automotive, forestry and some agriculture industries, was obstructing moves to a low-carbon economy.

He said nothing less than a social movement would bring about a change of attitude and backing for renewable energy.

"But we can solve it ... we've got a great, growing climate action movement."

Along with Dr Diesendorf, guest speakers at the forum included businessman and climate change activist David Spratt and CSIRO researcher Kathleen McInnes.

The forum on Saturday drew 380 participants.

It was opened by Ballarat Mayor Judy Verlin who said the issue of climate change had dominated a recent local government conference.

Cr Verlin said it was clearly an issue for councils with low-lying areas however the increasing threat of bushfire under climate change was an issue that would affect many councils, including Ballarat.

She said City of Ballarat was working actively to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and had produced a greenhouse action plan in 2003.

A number of council vehicles are being run on biodiesel, other cars were running on LPG and six-cylinder cars were being replaced with four-cylinder models.

Energy-efficient light globes are being installed in council buildings, while two council-run child care centres are having solar hot water services installed.

Among the forum audience were Central Highlands Water chairman John Barnes, Ballarat East MLA Geoff Howard and Victorian opposition energy spokesman David Davis.