Annual Review 2011–12

Peter Cullen Water & Environment Trust The purpose of the Peter Cullen Trust is to carry on the legacy of the late Professor Peter Cullen AO

“… he was someone to whom prime ministers looked for leadership.” Tim Flannery, The Age, 18th March 2008 “... the champion of the rivers who led the debate on the national water crisis and helped revolutionise how Australians think about it ” Marion Wilkinson, Sydney Morning Herald, 15th March 2008

“ [Peter Cullen] was provocative, constructive, brave … always grounded in good science ” Andrew Campbell, Charles Darwin University

Contents Page Foreword by Professor the Hon. John Thwaites 3 Chief Executive’s report 5 About the Peter Cullen Trust 6 Programs and activities 7 People of the Peter Cullen Trust 9 Friends of the Peter Cullen Trust 11 Fellows of the Peter Cullen Trust 12 15 new Fellows of the Trust in 2012 13 Science to Policy Leadership Program 2012 15 Fellows of the Trust, 2010 and 2011 16 Book and newsletter 18 Snapshots of Fellows graduation dinner 2011 19 Sponsors (back cover)

© Peter Cullen Water & Environment Trust 2012 ISSN 1838-6113 (Print) ISSN 1838-773x (web) Peter Cullen Trust Ltd ACN 135947116 ABN 41 848 154 714 To obtain copies, Photos on cover and page 20: Newly graduated Fellows email [email protected] of the Peter Cullen Trust for 2011, with program or phone 02 6206 8606 coordinators Leith Boully and Rob Patrick Foreword Each year, I am inspired by the participants in the Peter Cullen Trust Leadership program. They come from different parts of , and have different backgrounds and skills, but they all share a passion for improving the management of our land, waterways and catchments. This year’s selection process was tough as the quality of the applicants was outstanding. Eventually we selected fifteen participants who have now completed their training and graduated as Fellows, in November in . One of the strengths of the Peter Cullen Trust Leadership Program is the Fellows Network. It now consists of 44 Fellows of the Trust and is growing in strength around the country, with this year’s group joining the two groups of Fellows already graduated in 2010 and 2011. The Fellows are increasingly taking leadership roles in land and waterway management, and the Fellows Network helps them to share their collective knowledge and experience. We were also fortunate to have significantly more sponsors this year than during either of our previous two years. Our sponsors make the Science to Policy Leadership Program possible. Additional funding will also enable us to expand our programs in areas such as Chatham House discussions on key water and sustainability issues. The very strong network of supporters of the Trust, the Friends and the Fellows, together with Peter Cullen’s reputation provide an opportunity for the Trust to play a helpful role in bringing people together and finding solutions to key sustainability problems. Finally I would like to thank my fellow Board members, the staff of the Trust Sandy Hinson and Emma Higgisson, the coordinators of the Leadership Program Leith Boully and Rob Patrick, and everyone else who helped make this another successful year. John Thwaites

Professor the Hon. John Thwaites Chair, Peter Cullen Water & Environment Trust

3 4 Chief Executive’s report

The Peter Cullen Trust is science sectors of Australia, the footing of volunteers. Particular contributing to informing, inspiring Friends have much to share with thanks are due to the professional and training Australia’s water and Fellows, who in response describe work of Emma who is on staff. environment leaders of the future. their mentoring as, for instance, Funds provided to the Trust go into ‘‘hugely beneficial’’, ‘‘practical”, its programs and activities, and as Our Fellows “just wonderful!”. little as possible is spent running the office. Fellows are mid-career ‘rising Our Sponsors stars’ who have achieved success This year over 200 people prior to joining the Trust. Our job This year the Trust has received contributed to the success of the is to help them to thrive. We do significantly more sponsorship Trust’s programs! this through the Science to Policy than in either of the previous two Leadership Program, facilitating years of its existence. This reflects Many people are behind the success their networking with each other increasing interest in the Trust and of the Trust and the ongoing as well as with key people in their its activities. support of our Fellows. Our Fellows areas of work. The Trust supports are amongst those who are well the Fellows (National) Network, In exchange, sponsors receive a situated to impact on Australia’s their mentoring from Friends and great return on their investment. significant environmental issues their Annual Reunion in Canberra. Fellows of the Trust have increased now and in the future. I predict that When possible we provide ongoing their skills and networks when the Trust’s training will increasingly professional development in areas of they come out of the Leadership make a difference to environmental particular need. The Trust now has Program. Sponsors also benefit from management in Australia, through 44 Fellows. that network and, having supported the work of these leaders. their staff member’s training, This year the Fellows have grown this benefits their organisation’s into a more structured national capacity-building because Fellows’ PCT Fellows Network. This unique learnings flow onto other staff. SHinson group now organically draws each other into projects, conferences and Sponsors can also connect with the Trust’s elite Australia-wide network Dr Sandy Hinson writing of collaborative papers. Many Chief Executive, Peter Cullen Trust support each other’s careers and all of decision makers whilst receiving contribute in some way to benefit marketing and co-branding with Australia’s water and environment. the Peter Cullen Trust in related industry magazines, our newsletter Our Friends BRIDGING, our website and our publications. Friends of the Trust are established leaders who know a great deal Our Board, staff and about water and the natural volunteers environment and the way people interact with them. This year The Trust’s work is grounded in the many of our Friends have been immense capabilities that reside in participating in our programs and the Directors, and the Trust’s solid events, and writing for the Trust. With their years of experience of the policy, political, community and

5 About the Peter Cullen Trust

The Peter Cullen Trust exists to access to the highest positions of the Federal Government granted carry on the legacy of the late power, which he used judiciously. $1,000,000 as seed funding for the Professor Peter Wray Cullen AO development of the Peter Cullen (1943–2008). Peter Cullen was also a wonderful Water & Environment Trust. mentor and sounding board for The Trust aims to: young scientists, cultivating the The Peter Cullen Trust is a • strengthen the understanding skills of bright young people that he • company, thought might be achievers, and he between science, policy and • Registered Environmental was a great advocate for developing stakeholders in water-system Organisation, and management, leadership and communication skills. • deductible gift recipient • spot new talent and support Peter was an instigator and an active charity — able to receive tax- early career researchers and participant in the national debate deductible donations. people ‘who can speak for about water. In many influential the rivers’ with clarity and roles he helped bring integrated The Trust is independent of all credibility, knowledge to many decisions of government and non-government • promote informed exchange national and ecological importance. agencies. Funding received does not and debate on important water- dictate the decisions of the Trust. management issues, He was passionate about finding solutions, and adamant that they The Board of Directors oversees • build capacity in science and should be based on the best the strategic direction of the Trust. policy for water management, available knowledge. All operational matters are run by • build links between the scientific the Chief Executive, supported by and political communities in The Peter Cullen Water & the team in the Trust office. order to promote effective Environment Trust, set up in Peter management of our river Cullen’s memory, endeavours to The Trust also comprises Friends systems. train and support others to have a and Fellows. Friends of the similar passion, determination and Peter Cullen Trust are respected Peter Cullen made an enormous influence. and senior water leaders who contribution to the management contribute their expertise. Fellows of natural resources in Australia, Initiation and structure of the Peter Cullen Trust are the most of all around water. He had graduates of the Trust’s annual a rare gift for conveying complex In mid 2008, a group of Peter’s leadership programs. The growing concepts in clear, simple language, friends and colleagues met and national network of Fellows has with a knack for metaphors that lay decided that an organisation was access to mutual support and people could understand and find needed to focus on continuing the ongoing professional development. illuminating. kind of leadership the late Professor Cullen had given. Following He was as comfortable in dealing representations by this group, with politicians, senior policy makers, the media or industry groups as he was with scientists. His candour, courtesy, credibility and discretion earned him respect at all levels, and an unusual degree of

6 Programs and activities

Professional development of the Friends. This event is held in early to mid November each year, in During 2011–12 the Trust has again Canberra. run two professional development programs. The Trust contributes in various ways at numerous conferences and The ‘Science to Policy Leadership events around the country. Program’ is designed especially for future leaders working in any part of Fellows’ Initiatives Program: Funding for the water and environment sector small projects (up to $5,000) where in Australia. Successful participants Fellows of the Trust work together Up-and-coming leaders receive gain skills that are of benefit to to achieve an outcome related to training and mentoring. themselves as individuals and as the goals of the Trust. members of their organisations. They are accepted as Fellows of Reaching out: Articles about the the Peter Cullen Trust when they Trust and issues related to the graduate from the program. Trust in industry publications, including Govlink, Sustainable Australia, The Fellows’ Mentoring Program gives Water Management Review and each Fellow access to mentoring Environmental Management. from Friends of the Trust. This is negotiated through the Trust, not The Trust website continues to directly between Fellow and Friend, provide access to information about and is guided by the Mentoring the Leadership Program, news, and Manual provided as part of the downloadable publications. Leadership Program. In this way the The Fellows of the Peter Cullen Trust supports: Trust have begun a Fellows blog. • Friends not being overloaded with too many requests, There is also a Fellows Facebook page, which has valuable links and • more effective matching of interviews and news. Fellows and Mentors, • careful use of the time of Newsletter: ‘BRIDGING’ is the Trust’s Friends of the Trust, newsletter, begun in Spring 2011 and • more focused discussions during now published quarterly, distributed mentoring, and widely across Australia via our email network. • clearer outcomes. Chatham House Tables: These are Trust events and other the Trust’s planned confidential initiatives gatherings of senior water and environmental decision makers, to Fellows of the Peter Cullen Trust consider issues together across organise and attend an annual state and sector boundaries for Fellows’ meeting as well as cluster the purpose of achieving clearly meetings around Australia. agreed goals. Each year the Trust holds a prestigious graduation of the new Fellows which is also a gathering

7 8 People of the Peter Cullen Trust

Board of Directors The Board has two subcommittees. The Leadership Program Committee The Board of the Peter Cullen comprises: Professor the Hon. John Water & Environment Trust Thwaites (Chair), Professor John oversees the sound governance and Langford AM, Dr Sarina Loo, Dr John management of the Trust’s funds and Williams, Brett Tucker and Dr Sandy programs. Its Directors are leaders Hinson (CEO). It met 3 times during and emerging leaders in water 2011–12. and environment politics, thinking, science and management. The Finance Committee, which meets The Trust is fortunate that five of quarterly, comprised Robert Purves the seven original Directors — the and Dr Sandy Hinson during 2011– Chair Professor the Hon. John 12. Brett Tucker has now taken the Thwaites, Professor John Langford place of Mr Purves. The Trust has AM, Dr John Williams, Mr Rob been fully audited. Purves AM and Mr Mike Logan The Directors — have been available to be on the Board continuously from its Professor the Hon. John inception in 2009 until 2012. Thwaites was Deputy Premier of 1999–2007, and a member Other projects have now called of the Victorian Parliament 1992– Mike Logan away: he resigned in 2007, during which he held several March 2012. The Board has invited Ministries including Environment, Mr Brett Tucker, a Friend of the Water, Planning, and Sustainability Trust, to fill that seat. and livability. John Thwaites is Also, Robert Purves AM has now currently a Professorial Fellow at accepted a term as President of Monash University, and Chair of World Wildlife Fund on top of his several bodies including the Monash busy commitments in other roles Sustainability Institute, Climate in the not-for-profit sector. He Works Australia, and the Peter resigned in early June 2012 and the Cullen Trust. Board has invited Dr Kirsten Shelly Professor John Langford AM is to take his seat. Kirsten is a Fellow the Director of UniWater, a major of the Trust who graduated from the research collaboration between 2011 Leadership Program. the University of and The Board met five times during Monash University. He was Chair 2011–12 and Directors attended of the boards of the CRCs for the following numbers of meetings: Freshwater Ecology and Catchment Professor the Hon John Thwaites: 4 Hydrology, and has been Executive Director of the Water Services Professor John Langford AM: 4 Association of Australia (the peak Dr John Williams: 4 body of the Australian urban water Mr Robert Purves AM: 3 industry), and Managing Director Dr Sarina Loo: 4 of the Rural Water Corporation, Photo courtesy of eWater Mr Mike Logan: 2 Victoria’s statewide and rural water authority. Mr Brett Tucker: 2 Dr Kirsten Shelly: 0 in 2011–12.

9 Dr John Williams is a founding member Chief Executive of the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists and a Fellow of the Australian Dr Sandra Hinson is an Academy of Technological Sciences and organisational sociologist Engineering. He has extensive experience in who for seven years ran a providing national and international thought Management Consulting leadership in natural-resource management, business, which she eventually particularly in agricultural production and its sold. She has managed various environmental impact. John retired recently organisations and has established five entities after nearly six years as Commissioner of the prior to the Peter Cullen Trust. NSW Natural Resources Commission. He is Dr Hinson has experience consulting for Director of John Williams Scientific Services government, community and corporate Pty Ltd, which provides strategic advice organisations and has served on several Boards and analysis in agriculture and the natural and key committees including the Defence resource sciences. Industry Advisory Group and the Council of Dr Sarina Loo is the Director of Integrated Australian Business Ltd (ACT). She has also River Health Policy and Investment for served as an expert witness in Federal and the Department of Sustainability and State Government enquiries and currently Environment in Victoria. Sarina leads the consults on an occasional basis. development, implementation and evaluation of policy to ensure integrated river health management. Dr Loo was a lecturer in post- Administration and Volunteers graduate studies at Swinburne University of Technology and has been an independent The Trust is grateful for the substantial support consultant to government and private provided by Emma Higgisson in the Peter business. She participated in the inaugural Cullen Trust office. She is ably assisted by a Peter Cullen Trust Leadership Program in team of volunteers who bring their various 2010 and has since joined the Board of the skills to help run the Trust’s affairs. The Trust Peter Cullen Trust. would not be able to achieve what it does each year without this team’s energetic and practical Mr Brett Tucker was appointed CEO assistance. of the NSW State Water Corporation in August 2011. Prior to his appointment Brett The volunteers (alphabetical order) was Managing Director of Murrumbidgee Megan Cousins – Seeking funding Irrigation Ltd, providing water supply, Deana Darrant — Managing the Trust web site; drainage and environmental services. Brett assisting at Fellows’ has worked within the irrigation industry graduation events in various capacities for the last 20 years including five years managing his own Adele Doust — Assisting with 2012 Fellows’ consulting business, advising industry and graduation event government in the areas of research, business Leona Dwyer – Administration assistance, two development and policy formulation. half-days per week Louisa Gabriel — Administration assistance, is the Director for Dr Kirsten Shelly several hours per week Water Strategy at the Queensland Water Commission, and responsible for achieving Sarah Lonsdale — Assisting with editing and safe, secure and sustainable water supplies administration in SE Queensland. On the abolition of the Kathy MacLaren — Collecting auction items for Commission at the end of 2012, she will the 2012 dinner event move to the Department for Energy & Hannah Martin — Assisting with 2012 Fellows’ Water Supply in a similar capacity. From late graduation event 2011, Kirsten also worked in the office of Ann Milligan — Various the Minister for Energy & Water Security as Yuyu Zhang — Preparation of materials for Senior Policy Adviser for Water Security, a audit and accounting. role in which she gained valuable insight into the nexus of politics, policy and science.

10 Friends of the Peter Cullen Trust

The ‘Friends’ group first formed influential people in the water and There is no compulsion and no cost in June 2008 when friends and environment sector. in becoming a Friend. Friends may colleagues of the late Peter Cullen contribute as little or as much as met to discuss how to honour Friends of the Peter Cullen Trust they wish in areas that are within his memory and build on his are invited to share their expertise, their areas of expertise. contributions to Australia and inland time and enthusiasm with others water management. involved with the Trust. Friends can Current Friends of the Peter Cullen contribute to our programs, publish Trust are listed here. Each month Those Founding Friends have since in our partner industry magazines, new Friends are joining the Trust. been joined, through invitations put articles in our newsletter from the Board, by many other BRIDGING, and mentor our Fellows.

Professor Don Aitkin AO Professor Arthur Georges Dr Rory Nathan Professor Angela Arthington Professor Quentin Grafton Dr Peter O’Brien Scott Ashby Professor Paul Greenfield AO Dr Conall O’Connell Anne Barker Lynne Griffiths Professor Ian O’Connor Professor Snow Barlow Brian Grogan OAM Dr Ralph Ogden Dr Graeme Batley Professor Graham Harris Mike Paine Dr Don Blackmore AM Peter Harris Professor David Pannell Dr Stuart Blanch David Harriss Wej Paradice AM Lynton Bond Professor Barry Hart AM Mark Pascoe Leith Boully Dr Steve Hatfield-Dodds Professor Craig Pearson Professor Kath Bowmer Peter Hayes Professor Hugh Possingham Dr Sue Briggs AM David Heeps Dr Ian Prosser Professor Stuart Bunn Professor Jane Hughes Robert Purves AM Dr Neil Byron Dr Paul Humphries Professor Gerry Quinn James Cameron Professor Tony Jakeman Professor Ian Rae Professor Andrew Campbell Major General Michael Jeffery AM AO John Riddiford Hon. Bob Carr AC CVO MC Kathy Ridge Chris Chesterfield Professor Gary Jones Dr Ian Rutherfurd Mark Clarke Professor David Karoly Dr Sarah Ryan Greg Claydon Graeme Kelleher AO Rob Skinner Dr Daniel Connell Hon. John Kerin AM Paula Steyer Peter Cosier Ian Kowalick AM Tim Stubbs Steve Costello Professor Sam Lake Professor Geoff Syme Dr Wendy Craik AM Professor John Langford AM Wayne Tennant Belinda Cullen Ian Lawrence Professor Bruce Thom AM Dr Jason Cummings Matthew Linnegar David Trebeck Peter Cundall AM Mike Logan Brett Tucker Chris Davis Dr Siwan Lovett Professor the Hon. John Thwaites Professor Glyn Davis AC Hon. Karlene Maywald Dr Rob Vertessy Darryl Day Anthony McAlary Asa Wahlquist Dr Diana Day Pat McCafferty Dr Peter Wallbrink Major General Steve Day Jim McDonald Professor Keith Walker Jim Donaldson Caroline McFarlane OAM Dr John Whittington Dr Jane Doolan Robyn McLeod Dr John Williams Graham Dooley Tom Mollenkopf Professor John Williams Bruce Finney Professor Chris Moran Greg Wilson Tim Fisher Dr Steve Morton Mark Wootton Campbell Fitzpatrick Dr Karen Mow Hon. David Wotton AM Professor Tim Flannery Dr Kerri Muller Professor Mike Young Ticky Fullerton Chloe Munro

11 Fellows of the Peter Cullen Trust

Fellows of the Peter Cullen Water The leadership programs are packed Board hosts this annual gathering & Environment Trust are only with training, unusual experiences, where the audience comprises those people who have successfully interactions, leadership, cooperation, Friends, Fellows and invited completed one of theTrust’s ‘Science tests of initiative and endurance, representatives of the environment to Policy’ Leadership Programs. designed to foster excellence in and water sector, who take part teamwork and clarity in thinking and in the subsequent discussion and The selection process for the communication. questions. programs looks for passion, determination, and a demonstrable When they graduate, each year’s The Fellows for 2012, as in 2010 track record in work related to Fellows have not only experienced and 2011, come from a wide range the Trust’s aims. Applications are the program, they have also of backgrounds across the water independently assessed and again contributed to a group project on and environment sector, including scored by the Fellows Selection a topic of national interest. The government, private companies, Committee. The Board’s Leadership outcome of the project is presented corporations, farming, consulting, Program Committee then at the Trust’s gathering in November, science and NRM. All states and interviews those short-listed and under Chatham House rules — territories of Australia have been makes the final decision. allowing freedom of expression. The represented — except Tasmania.

How we work together at the Peter Cullen Water & Environment Trust

Board

CEO Administration Volunteers

Friends Fellows

12 15 new Fellows of the Peter Cullen Trust in 2012

WESTERN AUSTRALIA QUEENSLAND continued Dr Kath Lynch is from Dr Tanzi Smith lives SW Dr Richard Cresswell, a Busselton. As District of Gympie and works with hydrogeologist with SKM, Manager for the Department the Mary River Catchment uses geochemistry and of Water, she manages Coordination Committee isotopes to study processes abstraction of both surface and the Australian in a range of fields, including and groundwater resources and Government to develop the Mary groundwater interactions. Richard actively works with catchment and River Threatened Species Recovery is a member of the federal other industry and government Plan. This project involves work Environment Minister’s Expert Panel groups to manage water quality of with the catchment community for Large Coal Seam Gas Projects rivers, estuaries and Geographe Bay. to find ways to satisfy both and also leads groundwater impact Her goal is to foster good working integrated catchment management assessments for the coal industry in relationships and clear decision and biodiversity conservation NSW. He leads the hydrodynamics frameworks between scientists and objectives. Tanzi has a passion for team for the CSIRO-led Great water resource managers, and to river and catchment management, Artesian Basin Water Resource work with stakeholders to protect and integrating the social and Assessment, and has contributed and manage our water resources. environmental dimensions of to two major ‘Sustainable Yields’ sustainability. projects in eastern Australia. NORTHERN TERRITORY Dr Scott Buchanan is Dr Paul Frazier is a Matt Salmon lives in Alice Director of the Bioregional principal river scientist Springs where he is currently Management Plan, Cape (fluvial geomorphologist) working as the Aridlands York, for the Department of and associate with Eco Program Director for the Environment and Heritage Logical Australia. He likes Nature Conservancy’s Protection. He has a passion for working on landscape-scale Australia Program, on leave from his sustainable development, and has projects that concern physical job with the Australian Government. been extensively engaged with catchment processes. Examples He previously has worked in state communities during development include investigating effects of government including as Director of water resource plans. During regulation on river function and of Operations and Policy for Parks 2006–12 Scott led the unique Wild condition; linking river and riparian Australia. Matt aims for conservation Rivers Program that sought to restoration to environmental by consensus, and looks to turn protect the natural values of high- outcomes; advising on physical conservation outcomes into value river systems through a whole- form assessment and modelling; sustainable economic opportunities. of-catchment management approach. mine site rehabilitation options and VICTORIA monitoring design. Paul has also NEW SOUTH WALES worked in state government. Dr Sandra Brizga is an independent consultant, Brendon Warnock is Michelle Jacobs-Walsh specialising in geomorphology, assistant farm manager of co-owns a medium-size and river, estuary and the family farm in northern sheep grazing enterprise in water management. She has NSW. Brendon’s role is southern NSW, where she worked on environmental water to ensure the business works in the operational and requirements and contributed to effectively adapts to change and managerial aspects of the company. the development of national best continuously improves productivity She has an aim of facilitating future practice methods for environmental and profitability. He has Chaired environmental policy outcomes for flow assessment. Sandra is currently the Lower Namoi Cotton Growers the agricultural and natural resource Chair of the Fraser Island World Association, and been a delegate for sectors. Michelle has worked with Heritage Area Scientific Advisory Cotton Australia at the New South community-based organisations Committee. She has been part of the Wales Irrigators Council, which on environmental issues and for Victorian Catchment Management was an excellent opportunity to the education and advancement of Council and on several government learn about water policy from this women in the agribusiness sector. advisory committees. prominent organisation. She is active in her local CMA.

13 New Fellows of the Trust for 2012 continued

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

Dr Carmel Pollino is an Greg Raisin has years ecological modeller who has of experience in natural worked in ecotoxicology, resources management. He and in risk assessment has worked in agricultural for water resources, and and freshwater ecological predictive ecology. Since joining research, and in state government CSIRO in 2010, Carmel has focused agencies managing research and on modelling to predict ecological monitoring and providing input into outcomes of various flow regimes, policy formation and implementation. especially in the Murray-Darling Basin, He has also worked with federal with research outcomes and outputs government developing water policy aiming to inform water management and managing aspects of water R&D. and policy. She has built risk analysis Greg currently manages the Living models for ecological risk assessment Murray Monitoring program for the studies to help analyse uncertainties Murray-Darling Basin Authority. in complex environments. Martin Lind is the Dr Ben Dyer is a Waterwatch Coordinator hydrologist with a passion for the Southern ACT for large Australian rivers Catchment Group, and a commitment to leaving supporting the network them in a better condition of volunteers who monitor water for the future. He has studied the quality in catchments of the Upper operations and management of very Murrumbidgee River. He provides large river systems overseas on a educational and curriculum support Churchill Fellowship, and has been a to schools, teachers, and youth manager of water resources and an organisations and is a monthly guest environmental consultant. Since 2008 on ACT’s ‘Radio Landcare’. Martin is Ben has managed onground delivery active on the Upper Murrumbidgee of landscape-scale environmental Catchment Coordinating Committee outcomes for the Murray-Darling — a peak body for stakeholders in Basin Authority. the upper catchment. Jeremy Cox is currently Dr Cuan Petheram is a Senior Adviser in the a hydrologist researching Industry, Infrastructure and interactions between Environment section of surface-water and the Department of Prime groundwater, especially in Minister and Cabinet, contributing to northern Australia. He joined CSIRO policy development in water, climate in 2004. He has led CSIRO’s work change and infrastructure. He has on ‘Water in Northern Australia’ previously worked in Papua New and the surface-water modelling Guinea with AusAID, spent some component of the Northern years with the state governments of Australia Sustainable Yields Project. Victoria and Tasmania as an economic As well as modelling, his work has adviser, and been a research officer in involved community consultation and an agribusiness television company. communication with stakeholders.

“The skills required by the water industry have also changed. From an industry dominated by engineers, we now find skills in economics, law, public policy, ecology, planning, public consultation, & conflict resolution are all necessary.” Peter Cullen, Water Planning Workshop, August 2007

14 Science to Policy Leadership Program 2012

‘Learning objectives’ of the No discrimination, and Selection process Leadership Program increasing access The selection process is rigorous 1. Understanding and enhancing The Trust does not positively and participants who are shortlisted the role of science in the policy discriminate for this elite leadership are then selected on the basis of development process. program. Instead we advertise our merit with an occasional adjustment in order to optimise the range of 2. Communicating and influencing programs across all States and the group. effectively, in policy and political Territories in a way that we hope environments. will appeal to both men and women, Some feedback from Fellows both Indigenous and non-Indigenous 3. Development of the leadership Australians, and people from a Below are quotes from the new qualities required to make range of water-related professional Fellows of the Trust, about their a difference in river and backgrounds. experiences in this program. catchment management.

“[These] were the most insightful and challenging bunch of people that I have ever interacted with. [The] set of challenges mimicked life: the intensity, time, emotion and fear.”

“A leadership program with a cause. “[The program] highlighted my I hope that I can make a difference.” leadership strengths and development areas.” “The learning was fantastic.”

“I felt challenged by my facilitator to understand people and demonstrate leadership in action.”

“The other people in my team, and “The wealth of experiences of Rob, they were all wonderful. [Some participants, the diverse mix of activities] were incredibly compelling. personalities…the professional These were perfectly timed in the VIPs and presenters were invaluable, program and…helped make this a a rich source of knowledge transformative learning and ideas. experience for me.” ”

“It provided insights to the Ministerial level of government.”

15 Fellows of the Peter Cullen Trust, 2010 and 2011

Chris Arnott Dr Carolina Casaril Juanita Hamparsum

Dr Margaret Ayre Kaye Cavanagh Ross Hardie

Dr Richard Benyon Linda Christesen Dr Suzanne Long

Dr Tamara Boyd Dr Katherine Daniell Dr Sarina Loo

Jody Carew Prof. Michael Douglas Susan Madden

16 Fellows of the Peter Cullen Trust 2010 and 2011, continued

Dr Deborah Nias Dr Dominic Skinner Dr Simon Treadwell

Dr Anne Poelina Tyler Smith Dr Geoff Vietz

Stuart Richardson Penelope Springham Dr Philip Wallis

Dr Kirsten Shelly Dr Clare Taylor Andrew Westcott

Prof. Mark Taylor Susie Williams

17 Book and newsletter

This Land Our Water: Water Challenges for the 21st Century by Peter Cullen This is a beautifully presented volume that, for the first time, publishes Peter Cullen’s last writings and speeches. It also reminds us of the man, through vignettes by colleagues, friends and family. The book spans Peter’s voluminous output from 1990 to 2008. Contact [email protected] to buy your copy.

BRIDGING: Newsletter of the Peter Cullen Trust

BRI D GING NEWSLETTER OF THE Peter Cullen Water & Environment Trust BRIDGING is the Trust’s short quarterly newsletter. It aims to bridge the Spring 2011 www.petercullentrust.com.au No. 1 2011 Leadership Program in progress CONTENTS

2011 Leadership Program 1 otential leaders in water and decision-making. The participants also The Trust’s new projects in 2011 1 numerous interests and skills found among the Trust’s Fellows and Friends. environment science and policy learn through feedback and reflection Invitation to Fellows’ graduation 1 Pare taking part in the Peter Cullen as they complete the innovative course. From the Board 2 Trust’s 2011 Leadership Program that Leith Boully who has had extensive 2011 Program participants 2 began in August in Adelaide. experience in the water industry, Richard Norris 1951–2011 3 and who is a former Chair of the Fifteen people who already have 2010 Fellows of the Trust 3 Community Advisory Committee, considerable experience and talent were Letter from a Friend 8 Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council, During 2012 BRIDGING has presented summaries highlighting topics that chosen from numerous applicants to join Launch of ‘This Land Our Water’ 8 leads the program. the Trust’s 2011 Leadership Program. The 2011 Leadership Program, which This year’s participants represent rural will conclude on 4 November in ACT, and urban communities, Indigenous is enhanced by generous sponsorship Victoria, and Queensland Department of people, policy makers and scientists from several organisations. Sponsors this Environment & Resource Management. Fellows and Friends have addressed in their own fields, often in recent books working in water, climate, ecology and In 2010 the program was also sponsored year include the Upper Murrumbidgee natural resources (see page 2). Catchment Coordinating Committee, by the River Basin Management Society During the program,No. 01 current leading and ACTEW, both based in ACT. and the Purves Environmental Fund. figures in science, policy and political Sponsoring for a second year are spheres share the experience they have Sinclair Knight Merz, the Department More detail: or articles. Naturally, as a newsletter, BRIDGING also includes news of the accumulated during years of informed of Sustainability and Environment www.petercullentrust.com.au/news

The Trust’s new projects in 2011 Fellows’ graduation and dinner: Trust’s activities and those of its supporters. In 2011, the Trust has initiated several new projects: Friday 4 November Senior Executive Refresher / Development Program: Time for The 2011 Fellows of the Peter Cullen Trust leaders in water and environment to meet for 1–2 days and will complete their leadership program share and reflect on their work in different states and parts training on Friday 4 November. of the natural resources sector, and receive updates on recent research. Friends and colleagues in water and environment are invited to Regatta Point, Mentoring Fellows: Friends of the Trust matched with Fellows, Commonwealth Park, Canberra, to help to mentor them, helping build their capacity. celebrate the Fellows’ graduation. Each issue of BRIDGING concludes with a ‘Letter from a Friend’, in which Win Mentoring: An opportunity for exceptional staff from Starting at 5 pm, the event will include water organisations to be mentored by Friends of the Trust. networking and presentations with discussion Friends’ Conference: Friends calling Friends to meet in by the 2011 Fellows, followed at 7 pm by a November 2012 to exchange knowledge and experience fundraising buffet dinner and silent auction. — more than a ‘talkfest’. The Hon. Tony Burke MP, Minister for Friends of the Trust write about matters of water and environment that Chatham House Tables: secure meetings of senior decision- Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population makers for frank discussion of issues, away from state and and Communities, has agreed to be guest organisational constraints. speaker at the dinner. Fellows’ Initiatives: funding for projects initiated by the This year, the Trust asks diners to contribute Fellows’ group, related to the Trust’s aims. $80 per head, to raise funds for the Trust. (The preceding late-afternoon event is free.) concern them. Letters so far during 2012 have been from Graeme Kelleher For further details on these initiatives, email the Trust’s CEO, Dr Sandy Hinson, [email protected]. More details: [email protected] or phone 02 6206 8606. AO, Dr Ian Prosser and Dr Steve Morton. The first Letter, in the first issue of BRIDGING, 2011, was from Professor Geoff Syme.

Friends are invited to volunteer to write a ‘Letter from a Friend’. BRI D GING NEWSLETTER OF THE Peter Cullen Water & Environment Trust

Spring 2012 ISSN 2200-1654 www.petercullentrust.com.au No. 4

Science to Policy Leadership Program 2012 CONTENTS

The Trust’s 2012 Science to Policy into land, water and environment Science to Policy leadership 2012 1 Leadership Program is about to get management and policy. Fellow trials wetlands as storages 1 underway! Fellows 2012 presentation & dinner 2 Most participants this year live in NSW Trust focuses on leadership 2 Fifteen participants have been selected. or ACT, unlike the two previous years Odd spot: Peter Cullen Way 2 They are in early or mid career and when Victoria (2010) and Queensland National Water Commission anew 3 keen to grow in their capacity to further (2011) tended to be the main source Fellows’ 2010 writings & video 5 science-based policy and management of states. Northern Territory is again Friend’s views, Fellows’ 2011 news 6 water and environment. represented, as is Western Australia. Friends’ writings & news 7 Meet the 2012 participants 8 Like the 29 who have already graduated During the group’s training, they can RipRap is back 8 as Fellows of the Trust, this year’s expect to meet with influential figures in Sponsors of the Trust & programs 9 participants will be challenged by two science, policy, politics, land management Letter from a Friend 10 RI D GIN intense sessions of training in leadership and environment, who willingly share B G and communication. The second session their accumulated experience. Leith will culminate on 15 November at that SKM, the Queensland Government NEWSLETTER OF THE Peter Cullen Water & Environment Trust D Boully, who leads the program for RI GIN (Dept of Natural Resources and B G the 2012 Fellows Presentation and the Trust, has extensive experience Mines), and the Upper Murrumbidgee Graduation (see page 2). herself in bridging policy, science NEWSLETTER OF THE Peter Cullen Water & Environment Trust No. 01 Catchment Coordinating Committee Autumn 2012 ISSN 2200-1654 No. 2 and community interests in order to This year’s group (see page 8) comprises with ACTEW are again sponsoring the improve management of water, land and approximately equal numbers of people program. This year they are joined by Winter 2012 ISSN 2200-1654 www.petercullentrust.com.au No. 3 environmental resources in Australia. working as scientists, policy-makers or Eco Logical Australia, the Murray-Darling Will you be in the 2012 Leadership Program? Basin Authority, CSIRO and the Cotton CONTENTS managers in government or community Generous sponsorship helps cover the Fellows contributing new thinking for policy* organisations. Several of the group are costs involved in these annual leadership Research & Development Corporation 2012 Leadership Program 1 CONTENTS bringing their science backgrounds programs. The Trust is very pleased with Cotton Australia. he Peter Cullen Water & not have this before taking part in this Hon. Tony Burke MP visits event 1 ‘Policy does not occur in a vacuum.’ policy to optimise the benefits of CSG Environment Trust has opened program.” From the Board 2 ‘Engage end-users up front.’ ‘Own the to Australia, through better access to Fellows’ new thinking for policy 1 the call for applications and “An extraordinary course that pushed Mike Logan and Brett Tucker 2 solution — keep conversing.’ These are and use of relevant evidence. ‘Communities of conversation’ 1 Read about the National Water T From the CEO 2 sponsorship for the third ‘ Science to me into some uncomfortable terri- Congratulations to Friends 2 three of the six fresh-thinking parts of a Graduation dinner 2012 2 Commission on pages 3–4. Policy Leadership Program’. tory ... some territory that I needed to Graduation dinner 2012 2 ‘Policy Wheel’ that Fellows of the Peter Ideally, the team wants CSG policy explore.” Senior Executive Refresher Program 3 Cullen Trust have devised. to be based on ‘better understanding Who are the Friends of the Trust? 2 Will you be applying to join? of the social, economic, cultural and Congratulations 3 ”I now feel so much more confident Other programs run by the Trust 3 The wheel differs from the traditionally environmental considerations’ relating Leadership Program 2012, 2013 3 Fellow trials using wetlands as storages * about speaking truth to power. The Leadership program: how to apply 3 As in previous years, this outstanding more linear processes of forming policy, to it, including groundwater aspects, and Senior Executive Refresher Program 3 program has ... given me a suite of 2011 graduation event and dinner 4 program will have two parts. The first not only because it is a cycle, but also their paper offers recommendations ‘Practical responses’ conference 4 It is estimated that more than half of Australia’s wetlands may no part, September 17–21, will be in a tools to make it happen.” News from the Trust’s Fellows 5 longer receive the inflows they need to sustain ecological values. Yet Letter from a Friend 8 because it is designed to include diverse aimed at ‘enhancing clarity, building Evaluating ecological evidence 4 location yet to be advised. This part “The experience has brought me to voices throughout the process. confidence and achieving consensus’. INFFER: for funding restoration 5 irrigation water is commonly piped directly past them. of the program usually involves a a deeper understanding of myself, the Farms, Rivers and Markets 5 Actively filling floodplain wetlands in south-eastern Australia in combination of indoor and outdoor world of science and policy, and how The initiative arose during the Fellows’ Their recommendations relate to Books by Friends and Fellows 6,8 winter/spring, using water destined for irrigation purposes, could help activities. The second part takes place in to remain discussions within and since the Trust’s regional governance, understanding Programs by the Peter Cullen Trust 7 maintain wetland ecosystems while making water available, on-hand, Canberra, during 12–15 November. positive in an 2011 leadership program. Dr Carolina of impacts and benefits, and providing 6th Stream Management conference 7 No. 01 Casaril, speaking for the infrastructure. for productive use by landholders during summer. The program is much sought-after, increasingly End of an era, ‘Source’ conference 9 group, presented their and highly valued by participants. To be scary world.” No. 01 ‘NRM Knowledge’ conference 9 Geoff Vietz, River Basin Management Society Fellow (2010) of ideas at the ‘Practical Casaril C.J., Shelly K., Williams S., Madden S., selected, you must be available to attend “This Douglas M., Skinner D., Benyon R., Treadwell Letter from a Friend 10 the Peter Cullen Trust, with colleagues, has been testing the idea Responses to Climate both parts of the program (dates do not program has S., Westcott A. & Cavanagh K. (2012) Sponsors of the Peter Cullen Trust 10 of storing water in wetlands (like the one at left) near the farming Change’ conference ‘Achieving clarity, confidence and consensus region along the Broken River in Victoria. include travelling time). Further details unlocked (hosted by Engineers are on page 3. skills I never in the coal seam gas dilemma’ will be Australia) in Canberra, in published in the conference proceedings. They found naturally-timed inundation of test wetlands, with staged knew I had.” On successful completion of the early May (see page 4). The author team drawdown later, boosts the wetlands’ natural plant and zooplankton comprises 10 of the 14 Fellows who populations. Populations of aquatic plants and zooplankton were program you become a Fellow of the Applications *The views expressed in the various works graduated in 2011 (see photo at right). Peter Cullen Water & Environment Trust. for places and outlined in this issue of BRIDGING, and comparable to (and sometimes richer than) the populations in other Here are some comments from the 2010 test-filled wetlands that were allowed to respond naturally to rain sponsorships The team has applied the Policy Wheel the intellectual property embodied in them, and 2011 Fellows. belong to the originators of those works. Even and evaporation. Mesocosms gave similar results. for the 2012 to the policy framework currently in use Photo: Geoff Vietz Continued page 5 “I have developed an understanding program are when those originators are Friends or Fellows for coal seam gas (CSG) as it interacts of the Trust, their views are not necessarily of policy process and complexity. I did now open. 2011 Fellows of the Peter Cullen Trust, with Leith Boully and Rob Patrick with water issues and climate, to enable those of the Peter Cullen Trust. ‘Communities of conversation’ seen as vital for water governance* The Hon. Tony Burke MP addresses the Trust’s new 2011 Fellows at the In the face of the uncertainty that is of conversation’ about water, across backgrounds to explore ways in which to Graduation event on 4 November likely to accompany climate change, it a network of around 350 individuals develop a range of conversations, based is essential to build capacity for people normally engaged in a range of research on a shared language relating to water Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population & Communities, with different interests and perspectives disciplines or in water governance, governance. to work together. This idea is behind the government policy, industry, NGOs the Hon. Tony Burke MP, briefly visited the Graduation event for the 2011 These network participants have National Water Governance Research or other fields. A community of Fellows. During his short address, apparently spoken from the heart, the come to recognise that ‘Water Initiative (WGRI). Dr Philip Wallis, a conversation is a collection of people minister said: governance requires approaches that are 2010 Fellow of the Peter who have ongoing and rich conversations “The work you do is a cornerstone for environmentally sustainable life on our planet. ... [it] is integrative and responsive to complex Cullen Trust and one of the (not discussions) about a matter of that important. ... You make sure that when major decisions are made that we are presented interconnected socio-ecological needs coordinators of the WGRI, interest — who listen as well as speak, in the context of our regions and cities’. with the risks of various positions; that we’re presented with a range of outcomes that may outlined the Initiative at and are willing to have assumptions Some new research collaborations have be associated with various decisions; and, importantly, where there is an opportunity to get the ‘Practical Responses challenged and to look for other views also emerged. decisions absolutely nailed and right, you get to present us with the possibility and the hope to Climate Change’ of the world. that comes with getting those decisions right. conference (hosted by Wallis P.J., Godden L.C., Ison R.L. & Philip explained how the Initiative, “As a policymaker, as a representative of the Australian Government, can I just say, for what Engineers Australia; see page 4). Rubenstein N. (2012) ‘Building a community through activities such as workshops you do and the impact that it makes on sustainability in this nation, you are truly walking in of conversation about water governance in Since 2009 this national Initiative has and jointly written papers, has helped the footsteps of Peter Cullen, and it is hard to pay any Australian a higher compliment.” Australia’ will be published in the conference succeeded in generating a ‘community the network members from disparate proceedings.

18 Snapshots of the Fellows graduation dinner 2011

“It’s a great honour to be associated with the Peter Cullen Trust” Professor Stephen Parker, Vice-Chancellor of , November 2011

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The Peter Cullen Water & Environment Trust gratefully acknowledges these sponsors for 2012