The team at Wulguru Technical Services work to the idea that our impact lasts forever, which is why it is crucial to design things well from the start. With more and more mineral deposits being discovered across northwest Queensland rivalling those of Russia and Brazil, Wulguru Technical Services are well placed to support Australia’s transition to greener energy.
Managing Director, Scott Hayes-Stanley founded Wulguru Technical Services (WTS) in 2020 with acore mission to be Australia’s leading environmental, spatial and engineering consultancy by 2034. With an expert team of professionals managing key workstreams in environmental approvals and compliance, ecology, land and water, and spatial science, the company has grown rapidly in the past five years.
“Townsville is the perfect location for the headquarters of WTS based on the variety of projects across north and central Queensland, which require the expertise of a full-service environmental and spatial consultancy,” Scott says.
“We work with our clients to deliver innovative solutions to real-world challenges, and we are excited for the future of this region.”
WTS recently moved into their new office space at 370 Flinders Street to accommodate their expanding team, and range of clients. With offices in Brisbane and Townsville, the team have great reach into both the north and south, which currently makes up 95% of the work being undertaken.
The team are motivated, young, and not afraid of snakes and spiders! The risks of working in a variety of environments from rainforest to outback is something that Madison Jackson, WTS North Queensland Lead, is keen to emphasise.
“Our team are exposed to some extreme environmental elements and a whole range of fauna, which when threatened, may pose a serious risk to our colleagues in the field,” Madison says.
“The team maintains a very high focus on completing our work in a safe manner, striving for zero harm.”
Field work is fun and comes with challenges including camping out, and scrub bashing to conduct field surveys of plants and animals. There is no shortage of adventure when it comes to working in North Queensland. Whether it’s flying drones, traversing rough terrain for fauna trapping, or accessing remote areas via 4WD for water sampling, the work does require an adventurous spirit.
The environmental science sector is attractive to both men and women and WTS are proud that 50% of its workforce are female at all levels of the company.
“More women are coming into the sector, now outnumbering men across a range of disciplines,” Madison notes.
“While this industry is attractive to women based on the range of field work and office work, family support is essential.
“The remote locations of many of our projects, and the equipment we need to transport to conduct our work, means that we need good support systems to succeed professionally and personally. WTS offers that support and flexibility to its staff.”
Meet some of the Wulguru Technical Services Team
Haley Harding has been fascinated about plants and animals for as long as she can remember – as a child her career goal was to be the next Steve Irwin. Eight years ago, she relocated from the United States to Townsville to study Ecology at JCU, one step closer to making that dream come true. She now leads a team of Ecologists and is often found in the field running different types of technical surveys of plants and animals from flying drones, whilst doing a bit of bird watching.
Michelle Barker enjoys working with clients to create a holistic approach for managing ecosystems. Her experience in environmental monitoring and groundwater management within the mining sector provides a unique perspective for clients, ensuring they can meet compliance obligations and achieve environmental best practice.
Andrew Fletcher leads the Spatial Science team at WTS and is passionate about using technology to better understand and manage the environment. This includes GIS database management; 3D mapping and modelling; Multispectral and LiDAR data collection; and collection and preparation of satellite and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) imagery.
When asked what they like about working at WTS the answer is consistent: friendly, fun and supportive. “We support one another and look out for each other, which makes coming to work more enjoyable and safer in the field.”
To find out more about Wulguru Technical Services you can visit their website: wulgurutechservices.com.au or call into their office on Level 5, 370 Flinders Street, Townsville.
Main image: Budd Photography
