Matt Jones
Senior Environmental Consultant
1. How long have you been with Groundwork Plus?
I joined the Groundwork Plus team two years ago after spending 17 years working in State and Local Government undertaking Environmental Impact Assessments and delivering Environmental Approvals for Road, Rail, Marine and Infrastructure projects throughout the State.
2. What is your role at Groundwork Plus, and what does it entail?
I am currently a Senior Environmental Consultant in South Australia and manage a small environmental team based in Nuriootpa. My primary role is focused on the development and delivery of Mine Operation Plans (MOP) and Programs for Environment Protection and Rehabilitation (PEPR) required for mining operations throughout the State. Day to day my work is very diverse and involves everything from pegging a new Mineral Claims, undertaking community consultation, coordinating technical environmental assessments (i.e. Noise and Air Quality modelling), preparing Environmental Impact Assessments, and undertaking Native Vegetation Surveys. My role also entails the development of legislative applications and facilitation of legislative approvals under various environmental legislation including the Natural Resources Management Act 2004, Native Vegetation Act 1991, Environment Protection Act 1993 and the Development Act 1993.
3. What are your areas of particular interest or your proudest accomplishment?
I am proud to be an Environmental Consultant, and I enjoy the challenge of establishing balanced outcomes that are mutually beneficial for our clients and the environment. I have been very fortunate to have a very successful career working on many exciting Infrastructure projects throughout the State, however, my proudest career accomplishment would be working within part of a very dynamic team for the delivery of the Adelaide Oval redevelopment and the new River Torrens footbridge. We were faced with some very challenging environmental constraints including Significant Trees, Contamination, Aboriginal Heritage, European Heritage, Sediment and Erosion Management, Rare and Endangered species coupled with significant space constraints, and a very active community stakeholder group. Overall it was very rewarding to play a part in the successful delivery of these projects and to deliver some great environmental outcomes collectively as a team that will benefit future generations which is something that I will be proud to tell my grandkids about.
4. What is your favourite way to spend a weekend?
I really enjoy spending time with my family and friends on the weekends, running around to multiple sporting events and cheering from the side lines with my wife. When the sport is over, I enjoy gardening or getting out on my mountain bike and going for a good challenging cross-country ride. When we have a bit more time, we enjoy getting away with the camper trailer and exploring the Flinders Ranges and other beautiful places that Australia has to offer.