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2025 Darwin: Northern Australia Contaminated Land and Groundwater Conference 

2025 Darwin: Northern Australia Contaminated Land and Groundwater Conference 

28 - 29 May 2025

This Conference is an opportunity to showcase projects in Northern Australia associated with the identification, remediation and management and/or rehabilitation of contaminated land and groundwater resources. We highly recommend booking your flights and accommodation in advance to save on costs and ensure your attendance at this important conference. If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities, please contact Michael Seller at michaels@landandgroundwater.com

 

12 CPD Points

 


Day 1, 28 May 2025

8.15am – 8.45am: Registration

8.45am – 8.55am: Welcome to Country
Larrakia Nation

8.55am – 9.00am: Introductions
Matthew Potter, CEO, ALGA

9.00am – 9.15am: Welcome Address
The Honourable Joshua Burgoyne MLA, Northern Territory Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment

9.15am – 9.55am: Keynote – A Sketch Map to Navigating Approvals
Chris McAuley, Director, Aqua-In

9.55am – 10.00am: Platinum Sponsor, ESdat
Kimberley Saflian, Client Engagement and Software Solutions Lead

10.00am – 10.30am: Morning Tea Networking

Session 1 – PFAS and Emerging Contaminants – Chaired by Liam Spurr, Jacobs

10.30am – 10.50am: PFAS Litigation, Regulation & Enquiries: A Lot Has Happened, but What Has Been Achieved and Where to Next?
Sarah Mansfield, Special Counsel, Norton Rose Fulbright

10.50am – 11.10am: Evolving PFAS Guidelines in Australia and Internationally – Sampling and Analytical Challenges: What Are the Impacts?
Dr Attila Tottszer, ANZ PFAS Lead, ALS Environmental
Dr Annette Nolan, Technical Director, HydroTerra

11.10am – 12.10pm: Panel
PFAS National Environment Management Plan (NEMP 3.0)
Dr Leah McKenzie, Director Environmental Contamination Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
Bruce Gray, Assistant Director, Contaminated Sites, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water
Chris Coombes, Principal Land Management Officer, Northern Territory Government
Dr Shaun Thomas, Principal Adviser Wastewater, EPA South Australia

12.10pm – 1.00pm: Lunch Networking

Session 2 – Site Characterisation and Assessment in Northern Australia – Chaired by Christopher Coombes, NT Government

1.00pm – 1.15pm: Site Characterisation and Assessment in Northern Australia- An Auditor’s Perspective
Amanda Lee, Director, SAGE Environmental Services

1.15pm – 1.30pm: The Wet, The Dry and The Ugly!
Dana Windle, Technical Director – Hydrogeology, Environmental Resources Management (ERM)

1.30pm – 1.45pm: Navigating Remediation and Disposal: A Case Study of Contaminated Soil Clean up and Transport in the Northern Territory
Eileen Breen, Business Development Manager, NTEX Pty Ltd
Jade Ritchie, General Manager, Business Development, Tellus

1.45pm – 2.00pm: By Plane, Helo and 4WD – 59 site audits across NT in 9 weeks
Mick Le Riche, Technical Director, RPS
Ruairi Hanly, Senior Principal, Geosyntec Consultants

2.00pm – 2.15pm: Laboratory QA/QC and Analytical Data Interpretation: Ensuring Accuracy in Contaminated Land and Groundwater Assessments
Lana Civelle, Business Development Officer, ALS

2.15pm – 2.30pm: Challenges with the Assessment and Remediation in Remote NT Sites – An Auditor’s Perspective
Jean Paul Pearce, Auditor, Australian Environmental Auditors Pty Ltd 

2.30pm – 2.45pm: Questions and Answers
All Speakers from Session 2

2.45pm – 3.15pm: Afternoon Tea Networking

Session 3 – Mine Remediation, Rehabilitation, and Closure – Chaired by Paul Turyn, SLR Consulting

3.15pm – 3.30pm: Halfway Through the Largest Demolition Project in the Southern Hemisphere
Scott Carroll, Remediation Manager, Liberty Industrial Pty Ltd

3.30pm – 3.45pm: AMD Investigations of Sulfide Mining Wastes Using Copper as a Proxy – A Case Study
Bryden Tiddy, Principal Environmental Scientist, Tetra Tech Coffey Pty Ltd

3.45pm – 4.00pm: Microbial Remediation Of PFAS-Impacted Oil And Mining Sites
Dr Katherine French, CEO, BluumBio

4.00pm – 4.15pm: Developing a System Model of Total Ecosystem Approach to Rehabilitate Key Domains of Gold Mines for Environmental Sustainability
Sam Yang, RPEQ, CPESC, MAusIMM (CP) Agnico Eagle NTMO

4.15pm – 4.30pm: Starting with the end in mind: Establishing achievable land renewal goals to guide proportional remediation of legacy mines – An Auditor’s Perspective
Christian Wallis, Principal – Land and Groundwater, CDM Smith

4.30pm – 5.00pm: Questions and Answers
All Speakers from Session 3

5.00pm – 5.05pm: Closing

5.05pm – 5.10pm: Networking Drinks Sponsor, EUROFINS
Adrian Tabacchiera, General Manager VIC, SA, NT, TAS

5.30pm – 7.30pm: Networking Drinks, The Cinema Collective, Sweethearts, 74 Mitchell St, Darwin City NT 0800

 


Day 2, 29 May 2025

8.15am – 8.30am: Registration

Session 4 – Defence Land Management Practices – Chaired by Scott Carroll, Liberty

8.30am – 9.00am: Session Opening
Brian Barkworth, Director Contamination Assessment, Remediation and Management  Department of Defence

9.00am – 9.15am: Sensitive Emerging Contaminates Cleanup of an Aircraft Crash Site on a Remote Station
Stephen Bourhill, Project Manager, Ventia Pty Ltd

9.15am – 9.30am: Remediation Planning in Hazardous Subsurface Environments
Felicia Mellors, Technical Director, AECOM Australia Pty Ltd

9.30am – 9.45am: PFAS-impacted Construction and Demolition Waste Containment, a Northern Territory Case Study
Jason Cole, Project Director, Enviropacific Services Pty Ltd

9.45am – 10.00am: Darwin – A Case Study of Using a Combined Approach to Reduce Uncertainty for Contaminant Flux Estimates
Casey O’Farrell, Senior Principal Environmental Scientist, Tetra Tech Coffey Pty Ltd
Monika Janiak, Principal Environmental Scientist, Tetra Tech Coffey Pty Ltd

10.00am – 10.15am: Questions and Answers
All Speakers from Session 4

10.15am – 10.20am: Platinum Sponsor, ALS
Scott James, NSW/NT Business Manager, ALS Environmental

10.20am – 10.45am: Morning Tea Networking

Session 5 – Policy, Regulation, and Governance – Chaired by Toby George, Tetra Tech Coffey

10.45am – 11.00am: Working Smarter and Harder – Water Planning in the NT
Carly Hibble, Assistant Director for Water Management, Department of Lands Planning and Environment
Chris Parker, Engagement Officer, Department of Lands, Planning and Environment

11.00am – 11.15am: Northern Territory Petroleum Regulation: Groundwater
Frydryka Michna, Senior Environment Officer; Environment Regulation – Department of Lands, Planning, and Environment

11.15am – 11.30am: Aquatic Bush Foods In Kakadu National Park – Do PFAS Pose A Health Risk To First Nations People?
Dr Gisela Lamche, Office of the Supervising Scientist Department of Climate Change Energy, the Environment and Water

11.30am – 11.45am: UXO – Assessment, Risk Management and Site Remediation
Komalpreet Kaur, Associate Consultant – Land Quality and Remediation, SLR Consulting

11.45pm – 12.10pm: Questions and Answers
All Speakers from Session 5

12.10pm – 1.00pm: Lunch Networking

Session 6 – Site Characterisation and Assessment in Northern Australia – Chaired by TBC

1.00pm – 1.20pm: The Top End Legacy Asbestos Story
Rebecca Trimble, A/Director Asset Maintenance Planning and Program Development Department of Logistics and Infrastructure

1.20pm – 1.35pm: Using HRSC and Slurry Injection Techniques for Effective Site Management Avoiding Excavation: A Step-by-Step Case Study
Matthew Hansen, Director, Legion Drilling

1.35pm – 1.50pm: Unearthing Legacies of Past: Managing asbestos remediation cost and program impacts during construction of Tiger Brennan Overpass Project
Paul Turyn, Technical Director – Environment, SLR Consulting Australia Pty Ltd

1.50pm – 2.05pm: Logistical Challenges of Managing Water Chemistry in Power Plants in the Remote Regions of Northern Territory
Setyorini Setyastuti, Power Plant Chemist, Territory Generation

2.05pm – 2.20pm: Remote Mine Site Mystery Oil Pit Remediation
Summer Jones, Senior Environmental Scientist, Tetra Tech Coffey Pty Ltd

2.20pm – 2.40pm: Questions and Answers
All Speakers from Session 6

2.40pm – 3.00pm: Afternoon Tea Networking

Session 7 – PFAS and Emerging Contaminants – Chaired by Lana Civelle, ALS

3.00pm – 3.15pm: Advancing PFAS Management in Recycled Asphalt
Dr Matthew Askeland, Principal Environmental Scientist,  ADE Consulting Group

3.15pm – 3.30pm: Injection of Fluoro-Sorb® Modified Clay for In-Situ PFAS Immobilisation: Lessons from a North American Military Base
Matthew Hansen, Director, Legion Drilling

3.30pm – 3.45pm: Addressing PFAS and Emerging Contaminants through Innovative Treatment Technologies
Ryan Connor, Project Engineer, SciDev

3.45pm – 4.00pm: PFAS Passive Water Treatment System
Ben Kay, National Innovation Manager, Enviropacific Services Pty Ltd

4.00pm – 4.15pm: Electrochemical Oxidation for PFAS Destruction: Lessons Learned from Field Demonstrations Inform the Treatment Train Model
Gavin Scherer, Global Initiative Leader – PFAS Commercialisation, AECOM

4.15pm – 4.30pm: Questions and Answers
All Speakers from Session 7

4.30pm – 4.40pm: Closing
Matthew Potter, CEO, ALGA

Platinum Sponsor

        esdat logo

Networking Drinks Sponsor

 

 

Gold Sponsors

Datanest logo      

Trade Exhibitors

esdat logo     

.       rembind logo

           

.               

 

.                  

 

 

.      Datanest logo

Students Supporter

 

Who is attending? CLICK HERE TO DISCOVER

Member – $750

Non Member – $990

Concession  – $375

Student – $100


Members of AIOH, EIANZ, and FAMANZ receive the ALGA Member price. Please select your association on the second page during registration. Proof of membership will be requested on the day of the event.

*Concession Ticket

It includes: Parental leave, Retired, Unemployed, and Early Career Professionals with less than 3 years of experience in the contaminated land and groundwater industry. Members on parental leave wishing to access the concessional rate should contact events@landandgroundwater.com to register at this special price. You will be asked to provide evidence that you will be on parental leave at the time of the conference taking place.

Join ALGA and receive the member price. Click here for more information on ALGA membership or contact membership@landandgroundwater.com.

*Students – members and non-members are eligible.

If you are a non-member, please contact our team events@landandgroundwater.com to get this dedicated price. You will have to provide evidence you are a student (ie. student card).

Keynote Speakers

Chris McAuley

Chris McAuley

Director
Aqua-In

Chris McAuley's 30 year career includes sitting on "both sides of the fence" when it comes to the use of water in mining. As a consultant in Australia and Europe, Chris worked with the water resource, mining and contaminated land and water sectors on approvals for water use and management. As the Manager of Contaminated Lands and Environmental Audit with EPA Victoria and as the Director of Groundwater Licensing and Investigation in the Victorian Government, Chris was at the pointy end of decisions on how water can be used and managed in mining projects. The tension between large scale water use for mine rehabilitation and meeting other water values was front of mind as Chris worked as Senior Manager on the implementation and review of the Latrobe Valley Regional (Coal Mine) Rehabilitation Strategy.

Thank you to our 2025 Darwin Conference Committee!

  • Paul Turyn (SLR Consulting) – Chair
  • Sarah Doherty (NT Government) – Co-Chair
  • Anna Wilkins (Darwin Port Operations)
  • Christopher Coombes (NT Government)
  • Liam Spurr (Jacobs)
  • James Murdoch (SLR Consulting)
  • Lana Civelle (ALS).
  • Olivia Howarth (Department of Defence)
  • Scott Carroll (Liberty)
  • Stephen Bourhill (Ventia)
  • Toby George (TetraTech)

Where to Stay?

Darwin offers a large range of accommodations close to the conference venue.

See venue location

We have current deals with specific hotels below. However, as pricing changes rapidly, we strongly recommend you book your accommodation (and flight tickets) as soon as you book your ticket for the conference!

 

DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade Darwin – Conference Venue

Stay right where our conference is, at DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade Darwin accommodation.

116 Esplanade, Darwin City NT 0800

(08) 8980 0800

meetinthent@hilton.com

Special rate via the booking link

Please be aware that the link is only available for accommodation between 27 May and 30 May. If you require additional nights, please call reception to organise.

H on Mitchell Apartment Hotel

105 Mitchell St, Darwin City NT 0800

(08) 8946 3000

reservations@h105mitchell.com.au

Use code NACLGC25 via the booking link

 

Novotel Darwin CBD

100 Esplanade, Darwin City NT 0800

(08) 79428899

reservations@novoteldarwincbd.au

Discounted rate using the link

 

Mantra on The Esplanade

88 Esplanade, Darwin City NT 0800

(08) 89434333

esplanadedar.res@mantra.com.au

10% discounted rate using the special rates and promo code ALGA25 via the booking link

 

Rydges Darwin Central

21 Knuckey St, Darwin City NT 0801

(08) 89449000

reservations_rydgesdarwincentral@evt.com

10% off the best available rate using the Corporate ID code PC193369

 

Stay Your Way – 26 Private Properties to Choose From

Prefer something more family-oriented or spacious and private?

Choose from 26 premium and primely located properties, ranging from 1-bedroom to 3-bedroom properties, all fully equipped for a homely experience across Darwin CBD and Waterfront.

0417 853 585

leanne@stayyourway.net

Use code ALGA in your booking request to receive 10% off any selected property via the link.

Please note, when selecting your dates, it will appear as a 5-night minimum. We have a special arrangement to reduce this upon request. Please request your desired dates when booking with Leanne at Stay Your Way via the Airbnb link.

 

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Esplanade Darwin
116 Esplanade
Darwin City, NT(AUS) 0800

See venue location

Getting to DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Esplanade Darwin

Pedestrians

Pedestrian access is available from Esplanade Street and Mitchell Street.

Bus

The closest bus stop is the corner of Mitchell Street and Brigg Street.

Bus lines that stop at these destinations – 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 14.

Note: Some bus lines do not stop here at certain times. Check Google Maps in advance to plan accordingly.

Parking

Street parking is available outside DoubleTree, otherwise, Dragonfly Carpark offers public parking.

Free underground parking is offered to all in-house guests at DoubleTree. Other delegates can access the same underground car park for a small fee or go to the Hilton Garden Inn for limited free parking outside the hotel.

Getting to The Cinema Collective, Sweethearts

The Cinema Collective
47 Mitchell Street
Darwin City, NT(AUS) 0800

See venue location

See pedestrian directions from DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Esplanade Darwin

An 8-minute walk or 2-minute drive from the conference venue via Esplanade and Mitchell Street (600 metres).

About Darwin

Welcome to Darwin – a tropical city where the relaxed vibe meets stunning natural beauty. With an average temperature of 32ºC during the day and 21ºC at night in May/June, the warm climate makes it perfect for exploring.

Darwin’s natural wonders and cultural experiences offer something for everyone. Whether you’re here for only the conference days or want to extend your stay, you’ll find plenty to do in the Top End city.

 

Dry Season during the conference (May – October)

The dry season is ideal for you to enjoy clear skies, warm days, and cool evenings, during your stay. This is the peak tourist season, with plenty of outdoor events and activities. If you’re planning to visit national parks or explore the city, this is the most comfortable time to go.

 

How to Get to Darwin City

Darwin is easy to reach, with flights to and from major Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. Darwin International Airport (DRW) is the gateway to the Northern Territory and offers 24-hour transport services, including taxis and shuttle buses to the city

If you have more time, take the iconic Ghan Railway, which connects Darwin to Adelaide, offering a scenic journey through the outback.

For those who love road trips, Darwin is easily accessible by car, and there are self-drive routes to enjoy the unique landscapes of the Top End.

 

Getting Around

Darwin is compact and easy to explore. You can walk to most places in the city or rent a bike from many hotels and accommodations. If you prefer not to walk or cycle, the Hop On Hop Off Darwin Explorer bus is a great option to visit key attractions.

 

Iconic Darwin Views

Darwin offers amazing views. Walk along the Waterfront Precinct or enjoy a scenic flight over Kakadu National Park. For a relaxed evening, head to Mindil Beach for the sunset or a drink at one of the rooftop bars overlooking the waterfront.

 

Natural Wonders Nearby

Litchfield National Park: Just a short drive from Darwin, Litchfield is famous for its crystal-clear swimming holes and waterfalls like Buley Rockhole and Wangi Falls.

Kakadu National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Kakadu offers dramatic landscapes, ancient rock art, and a chance to spot iconic wildlife like saltwater crocodiles. Entry fees apply, and the money goes back into park conservation.

Tiwi Islands: Just a boat ride away from Darwin, the Tiwi Islands offer a unique cultural experience, where you can visit art workshops and learn about Indigenous heritage.

 

Aboriginal Cultural Experiences

Learn about Darwin’s rich Indigenous heritage with local cultural tours and visits to places like Aboriginal Bush Traders, where you can buy handmade art and crafts. These tours will give you a deeper understanding of the traditional ways of life, including bush tucker foraging and storytelling.

 

Wildlife and Nature

Crocosaurus Cove: Darwin is famous for its crocodiles, and Crocosaurus Cove is one of the best places to see them up close. You can even enter the Cage of Death, a submerged cage that lets you come face-to-face with saltwater crocodiles (safely, of course!).

Territory Wildlife Park: This is a great place for families. You can see native species like kangaroos, wallabies, and the elusive quokka.

Bird Billabong: A peaceful nature reserve perfect for bird watching, photography, or a relaxing stroll.

 

Culinary Experiences

Darwin’s food scene is as diverse as the city itself, with fresh local seafood and flavors from across Asia:

Mindil Beach Sunset Markets: These markets are held twice a week during the dry season, offering a mix of global street food and local arts and crafts.

Darwin Waterfront: The area is full of great dining options, including seafood at Wharf One Food & Wine.

Pee Wee’s at the Point: For a fine dining experience with beautiful views of Fannie Bay, Pee Wee’s is a top choice, especially for seafood lovers.

 

Adventure and Thrills

If you love adventure, Darwin has plenty to offer:

Fishing Tours: Darwin is known for world-class fishing, with opportunities for both deep-sea fishing and catching barramundi in local rivers.

Helicopter Tours: For stunning views, take a helicopter ride over Kakadu or Litchfield.

Jumping Croc Cruise: Head to the Mary River region and take a boat cruise to see saltwater crocodiles in their natural habitat.

 

Where to Go Next

Once you’ve explored Darwin, be sure to visit these nearby gems:

Litchfield National Park: Known for its waterfalls, hiking trails, and nature walks.

Katherine: Head to Nitmiluk National Park for stunning gorges and ancient rock art.

Alice Springs & Uluru: For the ultimate Northern Territory adventure, visit Alice Springs and Uluru to experience the heart of Australia’s Outback.

There are daily flights from Darwin to Alice Springs, or you can take the Ghan train for a scenic journey.

 

Need to Know: Important Tips

Passes and Permits: Many national parks are free, but Kakadu has an entry fee. If you’re traveling through Aboriginal land, you’ll need an entry permit from the Northern Land Council or Tiwi Land Council.

Wildlife Safety: Always be aware of crocodiles in Top End waterways. Only swim in designated safe areas and Be Crocwise.

Travel Preparation: Darwin is generally hot, so pack sunscreen, light clothes, and plenty of water. If you’re heading out into the bush, bring a satellite phone or UHF radio, and always let someone know your itinerary. Don’t forget to bring fly/insect protection, especially if you’re exploring the wild.

For a smooth trip, consider renting a car for a self-drive adventure, giving you the freedom to explore nearby attractions at your own pace. Or book a guided tour to make sure you see the best of Darwin and the surrounding areas in a short time.

3-Day Itinerary: Explore the highlights of Darwin, including the Waterfront, local markets, and nearby national parks for an adventurous day out.

7-Day Itinerary: For a longer trip, include visits to Kakadu, Litchfield, and the Tiwi Islands.

 

For more ideas and information, visit the Tourism NT and Top End Tourism websites for full details on itineraries, tours, accommodations, and more to help you plan your trip.