Qualifications: Bachelor of Science (Honours Class 1)

La Trobe University (1999)

Thesis – Cross-cultural natural resource management: Aboriginal attitudes

and management of feral animals around the Arafura Wetlands, NT

Bachelor of Science (Environmental science)

University of Queensland (1998)

Career overview: Michelle McKemey (nee Higgins) has studied and worked in the field of environmental science

for 15 years. She worked for local, state and federal government for many years before

establishing the environmental consultancy business, Melaleuca Enterprises, in 2008. She has

worked on environmental projects in northern NSW, south east Queensland and the Northern

Territory, often working alongside Aboriginal people to ensure the conservation of both

natural and cultural resources. She has experience working in the tourism, agricultural, mining

and conservation industries.

Employment profile: 2008 – present: Principal,

Melaleuca Enterprises Environmental Consultancy Services, New England Tablelands NSW

As Principal of Melaleuca Enterprises, I undertake all of the project management and operations,

business management and administration of the business. Key projects completed are listed on

page 4.

2008: Catchment Officer (PVP and Projects),

Border Rivers Gwydir Catchment Management Authority, Inverell NSW

As a Catchment Officer I worked with landholders to develop Property Vegetation Plans (PVPs) and

provide advice on the management of native vegetation on their land in accordance with the Native

Vegetation Act 2003. This has required the ability to learn and use the customised software PADACS

to develop PVPs, to undertake data collection on vegetation and habitat values in the field and to

liaise with internal and external stakeholders.

Michelle McKemey B.Sc. (Hons I) Principal, Melaleuca Enterprises Environmental Consultancy Services

Areas of expertise: Ecology

Indigenous cultural resource management

Natural resource management

Environmental assessment and management

Years of experience: 15

2008-10: Discovery Ranger,

National Parks and Wildlife Service, Armidale NSW

In this casual position I developed and implemented activities to inspire and inform people about

National Parks. The position required an extensive local knowledge of natural and cultural heritage,

the ability to captivate an audience, physical fitness and practical outdoor skills. Some of the

activities included hosting specialist groups, spotlighting tours, nature walks, relaxation in the park

and junior ranger programs.

2003 – 2008: Ecologist (2005 – 2008), A/Program Coordinator- Biodiversity (2007),

Environmental Research Officer (2003),

Sunshine Coast Regional Council, Sunshine Coast Qld

As acting Program Coordinator I supervised ten officers and coordinated the multi-disciplinary

projects of the biodiversity team. As an Ecologist I undertook environmental planning and policy,

ecological assessments and managed restoration projects. My main projects comprised the

development, implementation and contract supervision of the Maroochy Pest Management Plan,

implementation of priority projects from the Maroochy Biodiversity Strategy, ecological

assessments associated with conservation land and major infrastructure projects, coordination of

fauna projects (koala mapping, marine turtle monitoring) and environmental

education/communication projects. As an Environmental Research Officer I undertook the water

quality monitoring program which involved collecting water samples, analysing results and

presenting user-friendly reports. I developed a water quality education program which targeted the

key causes of poor water quality. I also worked on mapping coastal vegetation and translating

scientific knowledge into management actions. This position required the supervision of a school

based trainee and volunteers from the Sunshine Coast University. During my employment with

Sunshine Coast Regional Council I received accolades such as a ‘Business Award’ (2007) and

‘Partnerships Award’ (2005). The Maroochy Biodiversity Strategy was a national Banksia Award

finalist in 2008.

2003 – 2005: Kakadu National Park Officer,

Department of Environment and Heritage / Northern Land Council, Jabiru NT

I undertook consultation and facilitated decision making between the Aboriginal Traditional

Owners, Kakadu Board of Management and Kakadu National Park management on issues such as

natural and cultural resource management, tourism, business development, mining and research.

Some projects in which I was involved were the Kakadu Plan of Management, Kakadu Shared Vision

for Tourism, Twin Falls/Jim Jim Falls area planning, recruitment and environmental rehabilitation.

Through this position I developed a thorough understanding of national park management, natural

and cultural resource management practices throughout the Northern Territory and how to work

effectively with Aboriginal people. This position required good communication skills, confidence and

integrity.

2001 – 2002: Volunteer,

Endangered species projects in Africa and Asia

At Oxford University’s Budongo Forest Research Station in Uganda, I contributed to a study on the

effects of landscape fragmentation on wildlife, including chimpanzees, through social surveys. In

Namibia, I helped to radio-track the endangered black-faced impala in Etosha National Park and

supervised trainees in constructing a remote field camp and undertaking scientific surveys on the

Skeleton Coast. In Malaysia I worked with researchers undertaking transect surveys through

regrowth rainforest to determine the impacts on wildlife after logging. In Borneo I worked at the

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in animal care. I have also worked as a volunteer at

Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast.

2000: Project Officer (Research),

Cooperative Research Centre for Sustainable Tourism, Brisbane Qld

I provided executive support to the CEO and managed the Brisbane office of the CRC for Sustainable

Tourism. I developed a communication program through contributions to Green Globe News,

scientific journal articles, organising conferences and preparing keynote speaker presentations for

international conferences. I undertook research into the environmental, social and cultural impacts

of tourism and the development of indigenous tourism.

1996 – 2000: Project Officer (casual & voluntary basis),

Australian Environment International, Brisbane Qld

Throughout my university education and beyond, I worked with Australian Environment

International on projects such as ‘Selecting a site to test and model sustainability of grasslands in

Queensland’ and I undertook preliminary field research in Malaysia for environmental tourism

planning. I was also involved in ‘think tank’ sessions at the business’ head office in Brisbane and

enjoyed the mentorship of the Chairman Dr Hugh Lavery for many years.

Specific projects: Bush Tucker, Boomerangs And Bandages: Traditional Aboriginal Plant Use in the Border Rivers

and Gwydir Catchments - compiling an Indigenous plant use book for the Border Rivers Gwydir

Catchment Management Authority,

Review of Environmental Factors for a proposed Rural Fire Service Shed, Pretty Gully,

Tenterfield Shire,

An Indigenous Site Protection Project commissioned by the Border Rivers Gwydir Catchment

Management Authority,

The Kakadu National Park case study to support a ‘First Pass’ National Climate Change Coastal

Vulnerability Assessment commissioned by the Australian Government Department of Climate

Change and Energy Efficiency, and completed in conjunction with BMT WBM Pty Ltd,

Two Ecological Character Descriptions- for the Kakadu National Park Ramsar Wetlands and

Cobourg Peninsula Ramsar Wetlands NT- commissioned by the Australian Government

Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, and

completed in conjunction with BMT WBM Pty Ltd,

Biodiversity Planning for New England Graziers commissioned by the Northern Rivers

Catchment Management Authority,

Contract for the Establishment and Monitoring of Conservation Agreements and Wildlife

Refuges with the NSW Department of Environment Climate Change and Water, with several

Conservation Agreements established around Glen Innes, Inverell, Tamworth and Armidale,

Vegetation and Soil Field Survey of the Barakula State Forest for the University of New

England,

Threatened species assessment projects for proposed developments in Armidale and Inverell,

Water quality monitoring for private enterprise,

Koala habitat assessments,

On-site waste water management plans, and,

State of the Environment (comprehensive and supplementary) reports for Glen Innes Severn

and Tenterfield Shire Councils.

REFEREES

Ms Lyn Raphael Mr Graham Price

Associate, Senior Environmental Consultant Director

BMT WBM Pty Ltd Development &Environmental Services

Brisbane Qld Glen Innes Severn Council

T: (07) 3831 6744 T: (02) 6730 2365

E: Lyn.Raphael@wbmpl.com.au E: gprice@gisc.nsw.gov.au

Mr Harry White Dr Stephen Skull

Catchment Officer- Aboriginal Support Manager- Environment Branch

Border Rivers Gwydir Sunshine Coast Regional Council

Catchment Management Authority Telephone: (07) 5441 8206

Inverell NSW E: Stephen.Skull@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

T: (02) 6728 8047

E-mail: harry.white@cma.nsw.gov.au

LICENCES

• Manual driver’s licence

• PADI Open Water Diver

• Boat driver’s licence (Queensland Recreational Shipmaster)

TRAINING

• Environmental Law and Due Diligence

• Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act for conservationists and planners

• TAFE Statement in Partnering with Aboriginal Communities

• Conservation Partners Program (NSW Department of Environment & Climate Change)

• On-site Wastewater Management

• TAFE Certificate III in Tourism (Guiding)

• TAFE Certificate II in Horticulture

• Senior First Aid

• Woodland Birds of NSW

• Geographical Information Systems

• PADACS (software for Property Vegetation Planning with NSW Catchment Management Authorities)

• Bushland Regeneration and Revegetation Planning: Bushland Operational Assessment

• The Queensland Regional Ecosystem Framework and its Application

• Spotlighting for Wildlife

• Astronomy

• Creating Credibility through Confident Communication

• Advanced Project Management

• Working with Common Ethics

• Occupational Health and Safety

• Applying Regulatory Powers

• Four Wheel and Defensive Driving

PAPERS & PUBLICATIONS

McKemey, Michelle (in print) Bush Tucker, Boomerangs and Bandages: Traditional Aboriginal Plant Use in the Border Rivers

and Gwydir Catchments Border Rivers Gwydir Catchment Management Authority, Inverell NSW

Drummond, Simon; Raphael, Lyn; McKemey, Michelle; Visser, Jeremy; Richardson, Darren and Greg Fisk (in print) Ecological

Character Description for Cobourg Peninsula Ramsar Site BMT WBM Pty Ltd Brisbane, Queensland

McKemey, Michelle (2011) Review of Environmental Factors for a proposed Rural Fire Service Shed on The Crescent Road,

Pretty Gully, Tenterfield Shire Melaleuca Enterprises, Guyra NSW

Richardson, Darren; Fisk, Greg; Ward, Megan; Agnew, Lindsay; McKemey, Michelle and Markus Billerbeck (2010) Ecological

Character Description for Kakadu National Park Ramsar Site WBM BMT Pty Ltd Brisbane Queensland

McKemey, Michelle (2009) State of the Environment: Comprehensive Report 2005-09 Glen Innes Severn Council Melaleuca

Enterprises, Guyra NSW

McKemey, Michelle (2009) State of the Environment: Comprehensive Report 2005-09 Tenterfield Shire Council Melaleuca

Enterprises, Guyra NSW

Raphael, Lyn; Ward, Megan; Andrews, Malcolm; Richardson, Darren; Stewart, Joel and Michelle McKemey (2009) National

Coastal Vulnerability Assessment – Kakadu Case Study WBM BMT Pty Ltd Brisbane Queensland

McKemey, Michelle (2008) State of the Environment: Supplementary Report 2007-08 Glen Innes Severn Council Melaleuca

Enterprises, Guyra NSW

McKemey, Michelle (2008) State of the Environment: Supplementary Report 2007-08 Tenterfield Shire Council Melaleuca

Enterprises, Guyra NSW

Higgins, Michelle (2008) Threatened Species Assessment: Angel Avenue, Inverell Melaleuca Enterprises, Guyra NSW

de Lacy, Terry; Scott, Ashley; Worboys, Graeme and Higgins, Michelle (2000) Sustainable Tourism for Consumers, Companies

and Communities. In: Proceedings of the 3rd Queensland Environmental Conference: Sustainable Environmental Solutions for

Industry and Government; a Focus of Sound, Practical and Economically Viable Solutions for Industry and Government;

pages: 273-279. Gaul, Keron (Editor). Brisbane, Qld.: Environmental Engineering Society (Queensland Chapter), 2000.

Higgins, Michelle (1999) Indigenous Natural Resource Management: Attitudes and Activities Relating to Feral Animals.

Honours thesis, La Trobe University Melbourne

CONFERENCES

• Climate Change Symposium Kakadu National Park (2009) • Biodiversity Extinction Crisis Conference, Sydney (2007)

• Agrifocus 2025, Sydney (2008) • Towards 2020- Climate Change Conference, Sunshine Coast (2007)

• Environmental Restoration Conference, Ballina (2006)

• Joint management framework for NT National Parks, Katherine (2005)

• Aboriginal Women’s Natural Resource Management Conferences, Ramingining (2004) & Timber Creek (2005)

• Bioprospecting and Indigenous Knowledge Conference, Sydney (2004)

• Respecting Our Culture, Indigenous Tourism Workshop, Kakadu National Park (2004)