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“Michael Wood and Associates (MWA)” specialises in project managing estuary and flood risk management projects using world’s best practice in natural resource management, waste technology, environmental planning, flora and fauna ecology, flood risk management, water quality monitoring and assessment, wetland rehabilitation, stream bank and river bank restoration assessment’s and acid sulfate soils management and rehabilitation.
OUR TEAM
MWA draws on a strong relationship with local respected professionals in environmental science, planning, flood and coastal engineering, geomorphological and sedimentology, geographic information systems and ecology providing a team of experienced multi discipline specialists.
Michael Wood (Principal) BAppSc (Hons)
Michael has 19 years’ experience in natural resource and floodplain management in the Northern Rivers and a solid working history with local councils’ of Ballina Shire, Lismore City, Richmond Valley, Kyogle Shire, Clarence Valley Council’s floodplain services, rural industries, Southern Cross University research groups and State Government agencies on the Northern Rivers.
Michael was part of the local government review team providing direction and technical advice to the Department of Environment and Climate Change and the Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority in the development of the Acid Sulfate Soils Remediation Guidelines for Coastal Floodplains in New South Wales.
Photos Michael Wood
Recent Major Achievements
As Floodplain Services Manager for Richmond River County Council for 14 years, Michael initiated a whole of floodplain approach to flood risk mapping and a review of flood evacuation and planning for the Richmond River Valley. This is significant in terms of flood risk management for the local community by providing accessible information to support and help prepare the community in times of flood.
The project also included the development of a one-stop resource for flood website http://www.flood.rrcc.nsw.gov.au/ for the Richmond catchment in collaboration with the SES, State agencies and councils. The website was developed by NTech media and has links to all councils and agencies providing up to date flood information, road closures, warnings, and photos of flooding drawing from other websites and the general public.
The project received the Highly Commended Floodplain Project of the year at the 2015 Floodplain Management Association’s national Conference held in Brisbane.
MWA Associates
MWA is proud to have direct links with a group of highly respected professionals with extensive experience in developing, planning and implementing floodplain management and coastal zone projects.
Carrie Delaney (BMT WBM) Carrie Delaney is a Senior Flood Engineer and Science Communicator at BMT WBM holding Bachelor degrees in Mathematics and Environmental Engineering and a Graduate Certificate in Science Communication. Her specialisations include flood modelling studies, characterisation of flood hazards and community vulnerability, the development of strategic, risk-based plans to address flood risk, and the development of floodplain management methodologies based on best-practice approaches. Carrie has worked on projects throughout Australia and in Hong Kong, Malaysia and Cambodia. Carrie also has almost ten years of professional experience with the Richmond River catchment and other catchments in the Northern Rivers area, including Tweed River and Tweed coastal Creeks catchments. During this time she has developed and calibrated hydrologic and hydraulic models, assessed floodplain management options, undertook community consultation and surveys in consultation with emergency services,and prepared comprehensive floodplain management plans. Carrie is passionate about the effective communication of technical materials to clients, stakeholders and the community and is a valuable asset to the MWA team.
Ben Caddis is an Associate of (BMT WBM) holding Masters Degrees in Civil Engineering (City University, London) and Hydrology and Water Resources (UNSW, Sydney). He has 13 years of experience in hydrology, flood and drainage modelling, floodplain management, flood warning and disaster management. Ben also has almost ten years experience with the Richmond River catchment, during which time he has developed and calibrated hydrologic and hydraulic models for a wide variety of rural and urban areas. Ben has a strong interest in international development and has led various floodplain management and flood mitigation projects throughout the Asia-Pacific region (PNG, Malaysia, Indonesia, Pakistan and Cambodia). Within Australia, he has designed and installed numerous flood warning systems, including Melbourne Water’s Flood Forecasting System. Ben is also a CASA-certified unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) pilot.
Dr David Sharpe ecologist: David holds a PhD in wildlife ecology and management and has worked as an ecological consultant for over 20 years. David’s research interests have resulted in numerous peer-reviewed publications, notably in the population ecology, diet, home-range, behaviour and management of gliding possums. As a consultant he has been involved in flora and fauna surveys, species impact statements, ecological studies, population viability analysis, assessment of development impacts, threatened species management, ecological management plans and the statistical analysis of long-term population monitoring data. David has worked extensively in NSW and Queensland and is familiar with the range of urban and rural habitats \ throughout these. He has been involved with major infrastructure projects (including linear infrastructure), residential projects and natural area management. His past and present clients include government departments, local councils, conservation agencies, universities, corporations and private landholders.
Stephen Fletcher – Environmental Planner: Stephen Fletcher is the Director of Stephen Fletcher and Associates Pty Ltd, a Northern Rivers NSW based planning consultancy service. As a planner with over 29 years’ experience in statutory and strategic planning at the community, local government and State government levels Stephen is experienced in the delivery of environmental planning services to government as well as industry clients. Stephen Fletcher and Associates has been providing specialist consultancy services to State and Local Government and the private sector since 1999.
Ian Taylor – Flood and Coastal Engineer: Ian is a highly experienced coast and flood engineer, having been involved in many major projects for 20 years throughout the North Coast. He specialises in strategic project development and planning while maintaining a strong knowledge in related technical matters. Ian is highly regarded by North Coast Councils and State agencies for providing sound guidance in the establishment and completion of complex engineering projects.
Colin Peak – B.A (Geography) Manager: Col Peak has a background in applied agricultural research and development. He has been at the forefront of computer-based environmental monitoring systems for more than 30 years. Col holds academic qualifications from the University of New England majoring in soil studies, hydrology, geomorphology and climatology.
Peak Environmental works both regionally and nationally, including projects in Malaysia, Indonesia, China and New Guinea.
Dr Mick Cheetham – Geomorphologist: Michael is a Senior Scientist (Fluvial Geomorphologist) with Water Technology. Michael has a PhD in Fluvial Geomorphology and specialises in geomorphology and sedimentology. He has 10 years’ experience coordinating research and consultancy projects for clients such as the Murray Darling Basin Authority and South Australian Environmental Protection Authority. Michael has been involved in fluvial landscape process research, working on projects funded by the Australian Research Council and has produced numerous international publications in these fields. He maintains his connection with ongoing research through as appointment as an adjunct fellow and Southern Cross University
Michael is a certified environmental practitioner (CEnvP) and specialises in waterway assessment and management. He has managed large-scale research and consultancy projects reporting to lead investigators, industry partners and clients. Michael has a wealth of experience in a wide range of field assessment techniques; geomorphologic and sedimentologic data analysis and interpretation; waterway management techniques; and floodplain sedimentology and hydrology. Michael has also completed the River Styles® short course and applied the framework across several catchments.
MWA also has access to a Geographic Information System specialist with many years’ experience in mapping and remote sensing.
Professional Services at a glance:
- Facilitation and project management of flood risk management programs
- Project management and delivery of estuary management projects
- Acid Sulfate Soil management and rehabilitation plans.
- Monitoring and Assessment of Stream and River Water quality
- Environmental Management Plans
- Preparation of Reviews of Environmental Factors
- Flood Mitigation Asset reviews and status
- Flora and Fauna Management Plans
- Waste water Management Plans
Professional Membership
- Australian Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers Association (Recently: Professionals Australia)