Project EnergyConnect - A new interconnector linking the South Australian and NSW energy markets

Contracted to the DownerMouchel Stewardship and Maintenance Contract (SMC) operating on behalf of NSW Roads and Maritime Services

Primarily accountable for the acquisition of land access agreements, environmental approvals and Aboriginal heritage clearances for the Drillsearch’s Queensland and South Australian Cooper Basin exploration and production activities during the period 2012-2016; comprising in excess of 3500 km2 of 3D seismic, 12 petroleum exploration wells and production facility expansion and upgradesI was able to add commercial value to Drillsearch through the navigation of complex environmental approval requirements, Aboriginal heritage engagement, land access negotiations and agreements, assisting the organisation to remain commercially viable, financially sustainable and operationally efficient. Responsibilities• Coordination of environmental and operations approvals against commercial timelines and budgets• Integration environmental management performance into operational and commercial objectives • Management and coordination of external environmental and heritage contractors• Development and maintenance of Drillsearch’s Environmental Management System• Coordination, monitoring and auditing of field operations against stated objectives • Developed and managed Native Title agreements with key Aboriginal native title groups • Maintained communications between commercial and executive teams and Government regulators• Developed and implemented integrated licence/tenure data management systems • Managed and delivered work area clearance projects for extensive exploration and production projects • Progressed exploration and operations approval applications through Government regulatory systems

Primarily accountable for the preparation and submission of REF/SEE (Part 5 of EPA&A Act) for all petroleum exploration activities including seismic surveys, stratigraphic core holes and production wells on both crown and freehold lands. Major project development experience was also obtained for pipeline and power station developments under Part 4 and Part 3A of the EPA&A Act. I was able to add value to Eastern Star Gas through effective preparation of submissions to the NSW Government regulators, contributing to the commercial viability of exploration and production projects and maintaining excellent relations with local, State and Commonwealth Government stakeholders and the local community. Responsibilities• Managed the preparation and submission of project applications under Parts 3A, 4 and 5 of the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act • Prepared and implemented the construction and operations environmental management plans• Obtained and managed over 30 land access agreements, with 100% success, for exploration and production operations within operational deadlines and constraints• Managed the organisations community engagement and consultation program• Managed Aboriginal cultural heritage surveys for exploration and production operations • Represented the business on the Namoi Catchment Water Study and Namoi Regional Organisation of Councils (Mining and Energy Working Group)