The essence of Healthy Land and Water is its people. We are a passionate team of leaders, scientists and engineers dedicated to improving and protecting South East Queensland’s environment.
Board of Directors
Stephen Robertson
Stephen Robertson is a consulting expert in environmental sustainability and natural resource management and was named inaugural chairman of Healthy Land and Water in 2016. Previous to joining Healthy Land and Water, Stephen was a state government minister for 13 years and was responsible for portfolios including energy, water, natural resources, mines, trade health and emergency services.
Stephen is highly regarded for his insight and for his ability to identify emerging challenges and develop strategies to effectively deal with them. He is passionate about community engagement and collaboration and is dedicated to finding science-based solutions to environmental issues affecting South East Queensland and beyond.
Other roles:
- Chairman of NRM Regions Queensland
- Non-executive Director of Greening Australia
Victor Attwood
Victor Attwood is an experienced environmental advocate with decades of experience in local government management. Victor served Ipswich City Council for 16 years including 12 years as Deputy Mayor, and chaired council’s City Management and Finance Committee. He also has decades of experience serving community groups and was president of West Moreton Migrant Resource Service Inc for 20 years.
Victor was a strong voice in council for the proactive management of environmental issues, and a loud advocate for Traditional Owners and the protection of sites of Indigenous significance. He is passionate about his applying experience in local government and ensuring Healthy Land and Water responds effectively to environmental issues affecting the community.
Other roles:
- West Moreton Oxley Medicare Local board member
- Ipswich Mayor’s Community Trust board member
Mayor Karen Williams
Karen Williams is an experienced leader and manager and currently the Mayor of Redland City Council. Karen was first elected to council in 2004 and took over the mayoral role in 2012. She is dedicated to helping Redland City become a hub for job creation and economic development and prides herself on her strong work ethic, caring nature and focus on the community.
Karen is passionate about applying her small business and local government experience to her role at Healthy Land and Water is focused on improving service delivery, finding cost savings and improving operational efficiencies.
Simon Warner
Simon Warner is an experienced Director and corporate executive. Simon has a history of successfully leading and managing both corporate and not for profit enterprises. He is currently Executive Chairman of an enterprise software company, Tactiv Pty Ltd. Previously he was Chief Executive Officer and Director of SEQ Catchments Ltd.
Simon has a Business degree and a post graduate qualification in IT and has spent a good deal of his working career in executive roles ranging from IR to Logistics and Operations management. He has also worked closely with government on policy and regional planning issues including overseeing the development of the South-East Queensland Rural Futures Strategy and the SEQ Regional NRM plan.
He is passionate about agricultural sustainability and innovative ways to fund and support positive social and environmental outcomes. Simon lives at Murphys Creek in the Lockyer Valley and operates a small grazing holding in addition to his corporate activities.
Cameron Jackson
Cameron Jackson is an environmental scientist with extensive experience in the water management industry and a passion for biodiversity conservation. In addition to his board role at Healthy Land and Water, Cameron is the lead environmental strategist for Queensland Urban Utilities where he provides advice on water, environment and natural resource management policy.
Cameron has been instrumental in the development and implementation of innovative green infrastructure solutions for the water utility sector in South East Queensland. Having joined the board in 2018, Cameron is passionate about applying his expertise as Healthy Land and Water works to improve the health of South East Queensland’s waterways.
Nadia O’Carroll
Nadia O’Carroll is a Councillor with the Scenic Rim Regional Council and is a qualified accountant. She was first elected in 2012 and served as Finance Chair between 2012 and 2017 and Deputy Mayor for a year from May 2017.
Between 2012 and 2016, Nadia was a member of Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Community Advisory Committee.
Nadia has a long history of volunteering and over the past 20 years has been involved with many local organisations including Tamborine Mountain Natural History Association, Tamborine Mountain Rural Fire Brigade and Tamborine Mountain Show Society. She has a strong interest in the natural environment, science and biodiversity and is driven by her passion for issues facing the Scenic Rim.
Nikki Poteri-Collie
Nikki Poteri-Collie is a senior leader with more than 25 years’ experience building the strategic and financial success of organisations across the water, energy, mining and industrial sectors. With a diverse background gained in large corporations and government agencies, Nikki brings extensive experience across commercial and financial management, strategy and business planning as well as marketing and business development.
In addition to her board role at Healthy Land and Water, Nikki is General Manager Finance, Strategy and Growth, Asset Services with Downer EDI Limited. Prior to joining Downer, Nikki held executive roles with Seqwater and Thiess.
With a passion for the environment and the health of Australia’s precious waterways, Nikki is driven to apply her experience and skills to ensure the enduring success of Healthy Land and Water so that it continues to deliver for future generations.
Executive Team
Julie McLellan
Julie McLellan has been the Chief Executive Officer of Healthy Land and Water since its inception in 2013. Julie has over 25 years’ experience leading high-performance organisations and is an expert in waterway management, governance, strategy, risk and company finance.
Prior to her role at Healthy Land and Water, Julie held senior positions at Queensland Urban Utilities and Brisbane City Council and was responsible for portfolios including research and businesses development, innovation, service delivery and design.
Julie is passionate about improving the quality of landscapes and waterways in South East Queensland through strategic initiatives and productive partnerships. She understands the importance of collaboration and enjoys working closely with all levels of government, industry groups and community members on initiatives that ensure South East Queensland is protected for future generations.
Scott Jose
In his role as General Manager – Environmental Offsets, Scott Jose is responsible for overseeing Healthy Land and Water’s Nutrient Offsets Initiative. Scott has more than 20 years’ experience in project management including 10 years at the senior leadership level, and holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration.
Scott is a problem solver with extensive experience in successfully transforming a range of organisations in challenging environments. As an expert in business strategy, Scott has studied, designed and established successful ventures and projects for organisations throughout the world and is passionate about leading Healthy Land and Water through the next stage of its evolution.
Frances McChlery
Frances McChlery is General Manager – Corporate Affairs for Healthy Land and Water, responsible for leading the development and execution of a strategic and integrated framework for stakeholder engagement, brand, marketing & communications that supports the organisation’s strategic goals.
Frances also oversees the effective delivery of human resource management, risk and compliance and administrative services. She brings a wealth of experience in executive and senior management roles, in both small and large organisations spanning more than 20 years. Frances enjoys working with executive and leadership teams – advising, collaborating and delivering strategic initiatives, organisational change and growth.
Frances believes in investing in understanding the business needs and environment, building trusted relationships and leading with strong communication and interpersonal skills to deliver successful outcomes for the organisations she works for.
Dr Andrew O’Neill
Dr Andrew O’Neill is Healthy Land and Water’s General Manager – Environmental Services. He is responsible for driving innovation and guiding Healthy Land and Water’s talented scientists and engineers as they work to improve South East Queensland’s environment. Andrew is an expert in sustainable urban water management and water sensitive urban design and is recognised globally for his innovative work in building leadership and technical skills in professionals and students.
Andrew has a proven track record of designing and delivering award-winning integrated water policy and water sensitive urban design projects and has researched and delivered projects in many countries around the world. Andrew is passionate about collaboration and utilising science to improve education, policy and services in the community.
Key initiatives
- Water by Design
- Erosion and Sediment Control
- Living Waterways
Environmental Offsets Team
Scott Jose
In his role as General Manager – Environmental Offsets, Scott Jose is responsible for overseeing Healthy Land and Water’s Nutrient Offsets Initiative. Scott has more than 20 years’ experience in project management including 10 years at the senior leadership level, and holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration.
Scott is a problem solver with extensive experience in successfully transforming a range of organisations in challenging environments. As an expert in business strategy, Scott has studied, designed and established successful ventures and projects for organisations throughout the world and is passionate about leading Healthy Land and Water through the next stage of its evolution.
Ross Bigwood
Ross Bigwood is Healthy Land and Water’s Development Manager – Environmental Offsets. Ross has over 20 years’ experience in grazing land management, soil conservation, stream rehabilitation and stakeholder engagement.
Ross is responsible for coordinating and delivering rehabilitation programs and projects in rural catchments throughout South East Queensland. Utilising his expert engagement skills, Ross collaborates closely with stakeholders and landholders to build their capacity, knowledge and skills to sustainably manage land and improve water quality in the region.
Key initiatives
Healthy Catchments programVanessa Durand
Vanessa Durand is a Project Engineer within the Environmental Offsets Team at Healthy Land and Water. Vanessa specialises in projects aimed at reducing sediment and nutrient runoff entering South East Queensland’s waterways.
Vanessa has 10 years of engineering experience and been involved in a range of projects aimed at minimising ongoing impacts on waterways and the sensitive receiving environments including ex-Cyclone Debbie Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements and the Healthy Country Program.
In 2016, Vanessa completes her Master’s in Integrated Water Management.
Key initiatives
- The Wild Macadamia Hunt
Natural Asset Management and Protection Team
Dennis Gannaway
Dennis Gannaway is a Senior Scientist at Healthy Land and Water who manages projects in the southern and western regions of South East Queensland. Dennis is an expert in invasive species management, habitat restoration and community engagement, and has decades of experience managing large-scale projects.
Dennis works alongside researchers and academics to translate science into practical delivery tools for on-ground projects. He also collaborates with landholders and catchments groups to develop their land management skills and empowers them to help improve and protect South East Queensland’s environment.
Key initiatives
- Riparian Weed Control Program
Mark Waud
Mark Waud is a Senior Scientist with Healthy Land and Water and specialises in large scale restoration projects. Mark works with the Natural Assets Management and Protection Team delivering erosion control, ecological restoration and invasive species control projects to restore and protect our environment.
Mark is passionate about integrating technology into projects to ensure better decision making, bring people with common objectives together and achieve great outcomes in South East Queensland.
In 2018, Mark completed a Diploma of Project Management through Australian Institute of Management.
Key initiatives
Mid Brisbane Partnerships programNathaniel Parker
Nathaniel Parker is a Senior Engineer at Healthy Land and Water and is also a Registered Professional Engineer. Nathaniel has extensive experience in managing streambank and gully erosion projects and is passoonate about utilising best practise management solutions, including pile fields and engineered log jams for stream bank stabilisation in South East Queensland.
Nathaniel works closely with landholders, government and environmental consultants providing advice and training for gully and stream bank restoration and riparian weed control programs.
Capacity Building and Knowledge Brokering Team
Paul Donatiu
Paul Donatiu is a Team Leader at Healthy Land and Water who manages projects in the Gold Coast region. Paul is a conservation expert and oversees critical projects which help protect lowland subtropical rainforest, restore threatened species habitat, improve water quality and monitor the health of marine and forest ecosystems. Paul also delivers educational workshops on a range of natural resource management topics which are designed to build the skills of landholders and the community.
Paul has a background in architecture, psychology and environmental management and has worked in community development and for conservation groups including the National Parks Association of Queensland and Protect the Bush Alliance.
Susie Chapman OAM
Susie Chapman is a Senior Scientist and Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator for Healthy Land and Water. Susie is based at the University of the Sunshine Coast where she is an adjunct lecturer and Honorary Senior Fellow.
Susie has worked in community-based natural resource management and integrated catchment management at a range of scales in SEQ for over 25 years, working across biodiversity, water quality, agriculture and coastal management and specialising in collaborative climate adaptation and citizen science.
In 2019, Susie received a Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in recognition of her lifelong service to conservation and the environment.
Key initiatives
- Shellfish Restoration Project
Glenn Browning
Glenn Browning is a Civil Engineer at Healthy Land and Water and an expert in stormwater management and water-sensitive urban design. Glenn has over 15 years experience in the water management industry and has worked on major projects including the Gold Coast Desalination Plant, the Brisbane River Flood Study, the Clem Jones Tunnel and the Brisbane River Flood Study.
Glenn is part of Healthy Land and Water’s Water By Design team and is responsible for working with the community and industry to encourage sustainable water management and develop innovative frameworks water-sensitive urban design. Glenn regularly leads training courses to showcase the benefits of sustainable waterways and he helps design, construct and manage community projects to restore waterways in South East Queensland.
Key initiatives
- Water by Design
- Living Waterways
Adrian Crocetti
Adrian Crocetti is a qualified plumber and drainer and an expert in water management who works as a Principal Engineer for Healthy Land and Water. A key member of the Water By Design team, Adrian has almost 15 years experience in stormwater engineering and has also applied his expertise in policy and planning for local government organisations. Adrian is skilled at conceiving, designing and maintaining innovative stormwater and rainwater harvesting systems and applying efficient irrigation techniques.
Adrian is passionate about showcasing the benefits and importance of stormwater management and regularly travels throughout Queensland sharing his extensive knowledge and collaborating with industry and government groups.
Key initiatives
- Water by Design
- Living Waterways
- Erosion and Sediment Control
Liz Gould
Liz Gould is a Senior Principal Scientist at Healthy Land and Water who specialises in nature conservation. Liz works within the Capacity Building and Knowledge Brokering team and has almost 30 years of experience in natural resource policy and practice. Throughout her lengthy career, Liz has worked within state and local governments and is one of Healthy Land and Water’s longest-serving employees.
Liz is skilled in stakeholder engagement and project delivery and is an expert at using her networks and knowledge to leverage additional resources from corporate, government and philanthropic partners. Liz is deeply passionate about conservation and has a proven track record of delivering complex, multi-year and cross-regional programs and projects that help preserve South East Queensland’s environment.
Key initiatives
- The Wild Macadamia Hunt
- Gondwana Rainforests of Australia
Dr Samantha Lloyd
Dr Samantha Lloyd is the manager of the South East Queensland Fire and Biodiversity Consortium (SEQFBC), a program administered by Healthy Land and Water. Dr Lloyd has 20 years’ experience in research and environmental management with a focus on ecology, entomology, bushfire, disaster recovery and natural resource management.
Since joining SEQ Catchments in 2005 as the Environmental Partnerships Manager, Sam travelled between roles when she undertook two stints as an Entomologist for the New Zealand Fire Ant Control Program. In 2009, Sam became the Coordinator of the Moreton Bay Oil Spill Environmental Restoration Program with SEQ Catchments. Sam has a keen interest in land management, fire ecology, plant-insect interactions, weed and pest management and entomology.
Key initiatives
- SEQ Fire and Biodiversity Consortium
Bruce Lord
As a Senior Scientist in Healthy Land and Water’s Capacity Building and Knowledge Brokering Team, Bruce Lord has a pivotal role in guiding the organisation’s on-ground projects. Bruce has over 22 years’ experience in natural resource management, project management and community engagement, and is one of Healthy Land and Water’s longest-serving employees.
Bruce is responsible for coordinating projects and activities in the northern area of SEQ, including delivery of the Grazing BMP workshops and other projects such as the Green Army program and the 20 Million Trees program. He is also a Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator for South East Queensland.
Bruce is deeply knowledgeable about soil health, erosion and salinity management, vegetation and habitat management, riparian restoration, weeds and pest eradication.
Key initiatives
- Grazing BMP
Rachael Nasplezes
Rachael Nasplezes is a Senior Scientist at Healthy Land and Water and the Behaviour Change Specialist and International Relations Manager at go2zone. With over 20 years’ experience in natural resource management and sustainable business development, Rachael is an expert in project delivery and has a proven track record of managing projects and programs that improve the quality of waterways in South East Queensland.
Rachael is passionate about collaboration and she works closely with government, industry, the community and schools to drive innovative projects that deliver environmental, social and economic benefits for South East Queensland. Rachael has worked around the world on various capacity-building initiatives and she is due to complete a masters in Business Administration in 2018.
Key initiatives
- Clean Up Program
- Brisbane River Recovery
- Environmentally Friendly Moorings
- Fish Habitat Map
- Love Brisbane River
- go2zone
Karen Toms
In her role as Senior Scientist at Healthy Land and Water, Karen Toms works closely with community groups, stakeholders and organisations and provides them with the skills, capacity and knowledge necessary to successfully complete environmental restoration projects in the Brisbane, Redlands and Moreton regions. Karen is skilled at coordinating, delivering, monitoring, evaluating and reporting on projects in close consultations with government, corporate and commercial partners.
Karen has almost 15 years’ experience in environmental project management throughout North Queensland, South East Queensland and New South Wales. She is passionate about working with community groups to achieve positive changes for the environment.
Craig Welden
Craig Welden is a Senior Scientist at Healthy Land and Water and the coordinator of of the South East Queensland Fire and Biodiversity Consortium (SEQFBC), a program administered by Healthy Land and Water. Craig has worked in the Natural Areas Management field for over 25 years, developing extensive skills and knowledge in fire management, weed and pest control, restoration works, flora and fauna surveying and disaster management.
Craig holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Applies Science (Protected Area Management and Wilderness Reserves and Wildlife) from the University of Queensland. He is currently a volunteer firefighter with the Rural Fire Service Queensland and in his spare time enjoys the challenge of maintaining his family’s bushland property which is registered as part of the South East Queensland Land for Wildlife program.
Key initiatives
- SEQ Fire and Biodiversity Consortium
Samille Loch-Wilkinson
Samille Loch-Wilkinson is a Senior Scientist Engineer with the Capacity Building and Knowledge Brokering Team at Healthy Land and Water. With 17 years’ experience in engineering, consulting and project management, Samille brings a unique set of skills and insight to the environmental sector.
Samille recently completed a Masters in Environmental Management, majoring in Conservation and Natural Resource Management and was awarded the Deans’s Commendation for Academic Excellence in 2017, 2018 and 2019. She also holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) and a Graduate Certificate in Business and Technology.
Samille is passionate about the environment and thoroughly enjoys working with and learning from people to deliver projects in South East Queensland.
Science, Innovation and Monitoring Team
Shannon Mooney
Shannon Mooney is Healthy Land and Water’s Team Leader for Science, Information and Monitoring. Shannon is responsible for driving innovation and working with Healthy Land and Water’s scientists and engineers to harness data and knowledge and use it to inform the next generation of natural resource management.
Shannon is an expert in data mapping, analysis and interpretation. He utilises his experience and knowledge to interpret complex data, and provides his findings to internal and external stakeholders which enables more insightful planning and decision-making.
- E: shannon.m@hlw.org.au
- P: 07 3503 1416
Key initiatives
- Data Analysis
Dr Emily Saeck
In her role as Senior Scientist at Healthy Land and Water, Dr Emily Saeck monitors social benefits, human health and waterway condition in South East Queensland. This research and data contributes to the annual Healthy Land and Water Report Card.
Dr Saeck has almost 15 years experience in marine science. Upon graduating with a degree in zoology and ecology, Dr Saeck joined Healthy Waterways in 2004 to assist with the management of its science program and the development of science communication products.
In 2012, Dr Saeck completed her PhD in marine science which focused on evaluating the impacts of nutrient pollution on phytoplankton communities in Moreton Bay. Dr Saeck has made notable contributions in the research of coastal systems in Australia and the US and continues to hold an adjunct research fellow position at Griffith University.
Key initiatives
- Ecosystem Health Monitoring Program
- Report Card
Sivakumar Senthilkumar
Sivakumar Senthilkumar is a Data Management Scientist at Healthy Land and Water who specialises in spatial analysis and cartography. Siva works within the Science, Innovation and Monitoring Team to help build and maintain maps and spatial applications for a variety of projects and for the organisation’s website. Siva performs analysis and displays and distributes spatial and other outputs to members and partner organisations.
In 2017, Siva completed his Master’s in Geographic Information Science.
Key initiatives
- Data Analysis
- Report Card
Dr Wing (Iris) Tsoi
In her role as Senior Scientist at Healthy Land and Water, Dr Wing (Iris) Tsoi monitors waterway condition in South East Queensland and is involved in developing the annual Healthy Land and Water Report Card.
Dr Tsoi has 15 years experience in aquatic ecosystem health. She has been responsible for various aquatic monitoring and research projects across South East Queensland and the Murray Darling Basin. Dr Tsoi specialises in the design and assessment of mechanisms that drive responses of water quality, ecosystem processes and biological patterns to different environmental pressures.
In 2014, Dr Tsoi completed her PhD in Freshwater Science and also maintains a research portfolio focusing on food webs, zooplankton and macroinvertebrate in freshwater ecosystems.
Key initiatives
- Ecosystem Health Monitoring Program
- Report Card
Naomi Soustal
Naomi Soustal is an environmental scientist at Healthy Land and Water who specialises in collaboration to address water quality issues across South East Queensland. Naomi is the Assistant Team Leader for the Science, Information and Monitoring team that delivers projects to build an understanding of environmental condition through monitoring and reporting as well as partnering in essential research to build knowledge to protect ecosystem health.
Naomi has over 16 years’ experience in education for sustainability, water quality and catchment management supported by a Bachelor Degree in Ecology and Environmental Science, Graduate Certificate in Natural Resource Management and Diploma in Project Management.
Key initiatives
- Ecosystem Health Monitoring Program
- Report Card
Melissa Walker
Melissa Walker is a Scientist and Knowledge Innovations Officer at Healthy Land and Water. Melissa helps implement and manage HLW’s open data portal, which provides complex information in a clear and easy to understand format for clients and the community. She also works to support several HLW initiatives including Grazing BMP, the Environmental Health Monitoring Program, the Natural Resource Management Plan, citizen science, habitat modelling and fire management planning.
In 2011, Melissa completed a Bachelor of Environmental Management (Hons) in Sustainable Development.
Key initiatives
- Data Analysis
- Report Card