The Tasmanian Division of the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ) is conducting an “Industry Connect Seminar Series” in conjunction with the School of Geography and Environmental Studies (SGES), University of Tasmania at the Hobart Campus. 

Background Information

Previous Seminars

Next Seminar

The Industry Connect Seminar Series 2008 arose from the idea to communicate information about the environment to students, teaching professionals and also among environmental professionals working in the industry. The responses for the 2008 seminars have indicated that this was achieved, with good turnouts and an equal representation from students, teaching and environmental professionals. Some attendees have expressed a keen interest on seeing this initiative continue further into the next year.

The EIANZ Tasmania Division Committee have considered these responses and are currently considering continuing the series into 2009 with one seminar on each month of the semester time at the University (March, April, May, July, August, September and October). It is envisaged that the response for the series will increase next year and all sections of the ‘environmental community’ will benefit from the initiative.

Background on the Seminar Series

This initiative has arisen:
1. in response to identified requirements of the profession as outlined in the “EP 3 Blueprint for Environmental Practitioners” - to prepare for the future challenges and communicate information about the environment;

2. in line with a student strategy adopted by the EIANZ Tasmania Division for 2008 - to strengthen the Institute’s relationship with the environmental practitioners of tomorrow; and

3. as part of one the key activities established by the Environment Industries Council in its Strategy document for addressing skills issues in the industry in Tasmania

The seminars series are to be conducted on the third Friday (except for August) of every month, from 4PM onwards. Speakers will include environmental professionals from both within the EIANZ and outside the Institute, representing a wide spectrum of background and expertise, ranging from several divisions within government departments to various sectors of private industry. Each seminar is to be presented by two speakers to facilitate more discussion and debate on a topic covering a particular area of practice.

The seminars will run for 70 minutes (35 minutes for each speaker until 5:15PM) giving enough time for questions, after which, there will be opportunity to stay back and join the SGES Friday Drinks.

It is envisaged that the seminar series will provide an excellent opportunity for both students and staff to link theory with practice.

For students, the series will afford invaluable insights into the industry, helping them direct their efforts to develop the required knowledge and skills and gain an advantage later when looking to enter the profession. The series will also provide opportunity for students to make direct contacts with industry professionals with the intention of both increasing exposure to the professional world and finding work experience in the industry, ranging from temporary positions, casual positions and perhaps full time employment.

Previous Seminars:

Friday 18^th July 2008
1. Working in the Consulting Sector
Philip Millin, Millin Environmental Management Systems
The audio recording of the talk can be downloaded here.

2. Ignorance is Contagious: the importance of critical thinking in environmental management
Ian Woodward, Principal Environmental Scientist, Pitt & Sherry
The audio recording of the talk can be downloaded here.
The powerpoint presentation for the talk can be downloaded here.
The paper on which the talk is based on can be downloaded here.

Friday 29^th August 2008
1. The use of GIS in wind farm planning, approvals, design, construction and community consultation
Keith Vander, Hydro Tasmania Consulting
The audio recording of the talk can be downloaded here.
The powerpoint presentation for the talk can be downloaded here.

2. Birds and Wind Farms
Raymond Brereton, Hydro Tasmania Consulting
The audio recording of the talk can be downloaded here.
The powerpoint presentation for the talk can be downloaded here.

Friday 19^th September 2008
1. Tasmanian Government's response to the complex challenge of climate change
Wendy Spencer, Tasmanian Government's Climate Change Office
The audio recording of the talk can be downloaded here.
The powerpoint presentation for the talk can be downloaded here.

2. Personal experiences of a recent graduate on the transition from study to work
Dax Noble, Hydro Tasmania Consulting
The audio recording of the talk can be downloaded here.
The powerpoint presentation for the talk can be downloaded here.

Friday 17^th October 2008
1. Planning, development and environmental aspects of a scheelite mining operation on King Island, Tasmania
Dr John McCambridge - National manager, Environmental and Infrastructure Solutions, SEMF Pty Ltd
The powerpoint presentation for the talk can be downloaded here.

2. The evolving qualification requirements of EHO’s, their roles and responsibilities and environmental management requirements of local governments in Tasmania
Abyilene Dobson - Senior Environmental Health Officer, Kingborough Council
The powerpoint presentation for the talk can be downloaded here.

Industry Connect Seminar Series 2008 is supported by the Environment Industries Council of Tasmania