I’ve read online that RE3 is rethinking remediation, resource recovery, recycling, and materials management in the construction sector. What’s your role within the company, and what excites you most about being part of this initiative?
I’m RE3’s Commercial Manager, so I sit at the intersection of engineering, business strategy, and client delivery. My role is to make sure that the technology we’ve developed is not only technically sound but also commercially viable and scalable for industry. What excites me most is that we’re proving waste doesn’t have to be wasted; contaminated construction waste slurry, soil & other materials can be processed on-site and turned back into usable materials for the project. It’s a rare opportunity to work on something that’s both technically innovative and genuinely good for the environment.
Thinking about your career so far, what’s a project you’re especially proud of, and what made it stand out for you?
Several years ago, I was working for a contractor building a large road bridge in SEQ in a very sensitive and protected environment. This, combined with the hilly terrain, challenging access, complex bridge geometry and tight design parameters made it an environmentally high-risk project.
However, we were able to come up with an innovative construction methodology that removed all construction activity from the river bed and replaced some challenging and risky cast-in-situ elements with low-risk precast elements, resulting in a better environmental outcome for the project.
There is often a perception that doing things the “environmentally correct way” will take longer. Our innovative methodology actually resulted in an accelerated schedule for the project, with no cost increase.
For me, this shows that we need to continue to push a holistic approach to reduce the creation of contamination as well as continuing to improve how we deal with contamination once it has already occurred.
And that’s exactly what I love about working at RE3 — I get to apply that same mindset every day, using industry-transforming technology to prove that innovation can deliver better environmental and project commercial outcomes at the same time.
What inspired you to join ALGA, and how do you see this network supporting you or sparking new collaborations?
On-site resource recovery is still a very new field, and the only way it will grow is if we keep innovating and surround ourselves with the right partners. We joined ALGA because it brings together the scientists, engineers, and practitioners who are shaping the future of remediation. For us, being part of this network means we can share what we’re developing, learn from others at the forefront, and build collaborations that help take new ideas from concept to mainstream practice.
You’ve worked across our industry—from Engineering Design, to Construction Project Management and senior Commercial leadership roles. Why do you believe sector engagement and collaboration are so important for driving progress?
This industry is too complex for any one company or discipline to solve the challenges alone. Real progress happens when everyone works together, and the earlier that collaboration begins, the more value can be captured. Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) is a great way to do this — when project teams bring in specialist delivery expertise from the outset, risks can be identified sooner, solutions are more practical, and sustainable outcomes become easier to achieve. From my perspective, collaboration de-risks projects, accelerates the adoption of new technologies, and raises the bar for environmental performance. If we stay siloed, we repeat mistakes. If we engage openly and early, share data, then we ultimately deliver better solutions for clients and communities.
ecoforum is just around the corner! What are you most looking forward to—any sessions, connections, or conversations you can’t wait to dive into?
I’m really looking forward to the case studies and hearing how innovative approaches — from leachate reuse to novel injection techniques — have been trialled in practice. Innovation is critical if we’re to succeed in such a complex field, and ecoforum provides the perfect platform to share knowledge and learn what truly works. I’m also excited to connect with researchers, regulators, and practitioners who are driving new technologies into practice, and to build the relationships and opportunities that will help us progress together. And of course, RE3 will be exhibiting at ecoforum — so if anyone is interested in learning more about our innovative approach to site-based resource recovery, including our mobile wash plant that recovers recyclable resources from soils, slurries and ballast, please come and say hello.
Finally, on a personal note—what’s one thing you absolutely can’t live without (at work or in life), and why does it keep you going?
Exercise — it’s the best cure for stress and it keeps me sane. I used to get that fix through soccer and trail running, but these days most of my “training” comes from chasing my three boys around. Between family hikes up Mt Coot-tha and keeping up with them day to day, I sometimes feel like I’m in a constant endurance event — but I wouldn’t have it any other way.