Our Team

Ben Hinze, Principal Acoustic Engineer at ViridAU, brings over 25 years of experience in environmental and transport infrastructure studies. Specializing in environmental data mapping and acoustics for major projects, Ben has led noise and vibration assessments for significant infrastructure upgrades such as the M1 Pacific Motorway and Bruce Highway. His expertise extends to city noise mapping and the development of state-controlled road and rail noise maps. Ben holds a Master's in Acoustics and Noise Control and a Master's in GIS, along with certifications including RPEQ and CPEng. Proficient in noise prediction suites like SoundPLAN and CadnaA, Ben is adept at developing noise mitigation strategies and has contributed to projects like the Coomera Connector and the Ambient National Noise Map. With a strong track record of leadership and technical expertise, Ben is a valuable asset in managing and delivering complex projects.

Craig Thamm, Director/Principal HSE Consultant at ViridAU, is a seasoned professional with 29 years of experience in HSE, project management, and environmental consulting. With a diverse background spanning civil construction, mining, public service, and not-for-profit sectors, Craig brings a wealth of expertise in environmental and safety management, regulatory affairs, and community engagement. His project experience includes key roles in major infrastructure projects such as the M1M3 Gateway Merge and water infrastructure projects like the Lake Macdonald Dam Improvement Project. Craig's qualifications include a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Environmental Engineering from Griffith University, complemented by certifications in OH&S and training and assessment. He is also a member of several professional bodies, including the Institution of Engineers, Australia, and the Infrastructure Sustainability Council of Australia. With a proven track record of delivering projects with safety and sustainability in mind, Craig is well-equipped to manage diverse project needs and contribute to the success of any project.

Mathew Cosgrove, Director and Principal Environmental Consultant at ViridAU, possesses over 19 years of experience in project management and environmental expertise. He has played integral roles in diverse construction projects across industries like mining, civil construction, renewable energy, and transportation. Mathew's expertise includes environmental systems development, land liaison management, and securing environmental approvals. He has excelled in roles such as Approvals Superintendent and Environmental Manager, overseeing critical aspects of design, approvals, and construction, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and upholding the highest standards of environmental responsibility. Mathew's leadership, meticulous approach, and commitment to sustainability consistently drive successful outcomes in complex projects, making him a highly valued professional in the field.

Shannon Kratzmann, Director of ViridAU, is a seasoned project management professional with expertise in quality assurance and contract management. With extensive experience in various projects, including Carmichael Rail Network, Kingsford Smith Drive, Gateway Upgrade North, and The Northern Road Upgrade, Shannon has demonstrated her ability to deliver successful outcomes while ensuring compliance with project requirements and regulations. With 15 years of industry experience and qualifications in environmental science, communications, and project management, Shannon possesses key skills in project management, stakeholder engagement, contracts management, regulatory approvals, and quality management, making her a valuable asset to any project team.

Abhi Aitharaju, Principal Engineer specialising in Air Quality & Sustainability, brings 15 years of industry experience and a robust academic background in engineering. As a member of the Clean Air Society of Australia and New Zealand (CASANZ), Abhi possesses a diverse skill set, including emission estimation, dispersion modeling, ambient air quality monitoring, and project management. His expertise extends across various industries, where he has conducted impact assessments for significant development projects, infrastructure upgrades, and industrial operations. At ViridAU, Abhi leads the Air Quality & Sustainability business unit, overseeing a team of consultants dedicated to delivering high-quality technical reports within budget and timelines. His hands-on experience includes field studies, community consultation, and designing monitoring programs. Abhi's project list showcases his proficiency in assessing air quality and odour impacts across a wide range of facilities, from bioenergy plants to service stations and abattoirs, demonstrating his commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.

Meghana Shivakumar, an Environmental/Air Quality & Sustainability Consultant at Virid AU, brings over 2 years of industry experience and a strong academic background in environmental engineering. As a member of the Clean Air Society of Australia and New Zealand (CASANZ), Meghana possesses expertise in emission estimation, dispersion modeling, and ambient air quality monitoring. She has contributed significantly to air quality impact assessments, odour management, and carbon accounting for various industries, including resource extraction, food production, and waste management. Meghana's proficiency in dispersion models like AERMOD and CALPUFF has been instrumental in assessing impacts from industrial activities and infrastructure projects. Her project experience spans across a diverse range, from bioenergy facilities to quarry expansions, demonstrating her versatility and commitment to environmental stewardship. Meghana's proactive approach, coupled with her technical skills, ensures the delivery of comprehensive assessments and sustainable solutions for clients at ViridAU.

Sayli Katewale, an adept Air Quality & Sustainability Consultant, brings over 2 years of experience and a Master's in Environmental Engineering from Griffith University. Proficient in dispersion modeling, emission estimation, and odor impact assessments, Sayli is dedicated to ensuring environmental compliance and sustainability. As a member of both CASANZ and NAWIC, she exemplifies her commitment to professional excellence and gender diversity in the industry. Sayli's expertise extends to various projects, including assessing the impacts of poultry farms and service stations, demonstrating her versatility and proactive approach to environmental management. Currently, she oversees deposited dust monitoring at quarry operations, showcasing her proactive stance in ensuring environmental sustainability and regulatory compliance.

Janos has been an acoustic consultant for 15 years and has conducted noise assessments for major transportation and power developments in Australia and internationally. In Australia, these include the Centenary Highway Duplication, Moreton Bay Rail Link, Mount Lindsay Highway Upgrade and the Sherwood Road Bus Depot.

Internationally, he led noise assessments for the Sharq Crossing and Expressway Programme projects in Qatar, the SEC Power Projects in Saudi Arabia, the peer review of the AI Maktoum International Airport expansions in Dubai and the Knightsbridge development in Azerbaijan. These projects involved managing small teams for surveys, noise modelling and reporting, whilst meeting the relevant staging deadlines.

Hilton Netterville boasts over 30 years of diverse experience in construction, design management, and operations across major infrastructure projects. Currently serving as Principal Consultant at ViridAU and CEO of Engineering and Operations at Renewable Developments Australia, Hilton has led pivotal roles in significant projects such as the Baralaba Coal Haul Route Upgrade and Gateway Upgrade Project. With qualifications in Civil Engineering and recognition from the Board of Professional Engineers Queensland, Hilton's expertise spans bid management, project planning, design coordination, and regulatory compliance, ensuring successful project execution and industry advancement.

Col Schiller, a Partner Consultant at ViridAU, boasts over 30 years of expertise in land management, nutrient management, and land rehabilitation across diverse sectors such as agriculture, urban development, and mining. With roles spanning from Director at Walshs Seeds Pty Ltd to Rehabilitation Specialist at QGC/Shell, Col has led numerous projects globally, including major initiatives like the Brisbane Airport Runway Two project and the Carmichael Rail Project for Adani Coal. His contributions extend to soil testing, erosion control, and rehabilitation consultancy for mining sites in India, the Philippines, and Malaysia, as well as auditing for highway upgrades and gas plant projects. Col's broad experience and commitment to environmental stewardship make him an invaluable asset in enhancing land management practices and driving sustainable outcomes.

Wei Tang is the Chief Remote Pilot and GIS Lead at ViridAU, overseeing all aspects of GIS and remote sensing services. With over 4 years of industry experience, Wei holds a Master's degree in Geographic Information Science from the University of Queensland. His expertise lies in spatial data management, mapping, and visualisation, supported by proficiency in GIS packages such as ArcMap, ArcGIS Pro, and QGIS. Wei's role involves designing and implementing processes for terrain dataset development, essential for noise models, as seen in the Transport Noise Corridors Update project for TMR. He has also led the GIS aspect of projects like the Cairns Western Arterial Road Upgrade and the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge construction. Wei's contributions extend to major infrastructure projects, including the Coomera Connector and Capricorn Highway Upgrade, where he has conducted acoustic and air quality studies. As a licensed drone pilot, Wei operates advanced equipment for data capture and processing, enhancing Virid's projects in GIS and remote sensing.

Catherine is a dedicated and experienced Field Ecologist here at ViridAU. With a Master's degree in Wildlife Biology and over a decade of hands-on experience, Catherine plays a pivotal role in managing our environmental and conservation efforts.

Proficient in GIS software like ArcGIS and QGIS, Catherine’s skills in environmental assessments, data collection, and analysis help us minimise impacts and promote sustainability across all our projects.Her expertise in fauna spotting and catching, coupled with her certification in Safe Snake Handling � , allows her to protect wildlife while ensuring your projects meet stringent environmental compliance.

Catherine’s passion for preserving Australia’s wildlife and ecosystems makes her an invaluable member of our team, driving our mission to deliver environmental solutions that exceed industry standards.

Nicholas Netterville, a graduate from Queensland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Design in Industrial Design, brings a unique blend of spatial mapping, acoustics, and drone operations to his role at ViridAU. With over a year of industry experience, Nicholas holds a Remote Pilot's License (RePL) and is proficient in noise impact assessments, noise mapping, and geographical information systems. Prior to joining ViridAU, he worked at Renewable Developments Australia (RDA), focusing on renewable developments in Queensland, where he gained expertise in drone mapping, photogrammetry, 3D modeling, and report writing. Although new to consulting, Nicholas's experience in drone operations and spatial mapping complements his role at ViridAU, where he contributes to projects such as the Ensham Life of Mine Extension Project and the Old Coach Road Upgrade Stage 2. His skills in noise monitoring and assessment are evident in projects like the Road Traffic Noise Management Strategy 2020 and the Cairns Western Arterial Road Upgrade, where he led acoustic design teams and contributed to detailed reports and consultations with clients and stakeholders. Through his involvement in various projects over the past three years, Nicholas has demonstrated his capability to deliver high-quality work and contribute effectively to acoustic engineering projects.

Caellum, currently an undergraduate and GIS UAC at ViridAU, brings a fresh perspective and enthusiasm to the team. Despite being in the early stages of his career, Caellum demonstrates a strong aptitude for geographical information systems (GIS) and is eager to expand his knowledge and skills in this field. His role involves assisting with spatial data management, map production, and GIS analysis, contributing to various projects aimed at environmental monitoring and assessment. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for technology, Caellum is committed to learning and adapting to new challenges in the dynamic world of GIS. Through his dedication and willingness to learn, Caellum plays a valuable role in supporting the team's objectives and delivering high-quality outcomes for ViridAU's clients.

As the Operations Manager at ViridAU, Rick Gardiner is a seasoned construction professional with over 15 years of industry experience. His expertise spans a diverse range of projects, with a particular emphasis on HVAC, mechanical, and refrigeration engineering. Rick's deep passion for the industry and unwavering commitment to excellence have garnered him widespread respect among peers and clients. Renowned for his dedication to each project he undertakes, Rick is a sought-after expert known for delivering results with unparalleled professionalism. With Rick leading the way, you can trust that your project will be executed to the highest standards, ensuring success at every step of the process.

Cleo excels as a Senior Advisor at ViridAU, where she ensures adherence to industry regulations and standards. Her role involves overseeing compliance processes, conducting audits, and implementing corrective measures to maintain regulatory compliance. Cleo's attention to detail and analytical mindset are instrumental in identifying potential risks and developing strategies to mitigate them effectively. Her dedication to upholding compliance standards makes her an invaluable asset to the ViridAU  team. Cleo has extensive experience across various industries and roles, showcasing adaptability and strong organisational, communication, and problem-solving skills. Her background includes positions such as Senior Advisor at ViridAU, Document Controller at Pensar, and Operations Officer at Dyno Nobel. Cleo's versatile expertise makes her a valuable asset in any professional setting, contributing to success and innovation.

Chloe is a dedicated professional with a strong commitment to technical compliance. As an Officer of Technical Compliance at ViridAU, she ensures that all regulatory requirements are met with precision and efficiency. Additionally, Chloe is an active member of the National Association of Women in Construction, demonstrating her support for gender diversity and empowerment in the industry. With a keen focus on contract law, Chloe continually enhances her skills and knowledge, making her a valuable asset to her organization and the construction community as a whole.

As an Advisor at ViridAU, Chloe brings a wealth of technical expertise and a keen eye for compliance matters. Her extensive background in risk assessment, quality control, and project management provides invaluable insights into navigating complex regulatory landscapes. Chloe's ability to lead inspections, audits, and educational initiatives showcases her dedication to ensuring compliance and maintaining high standards within the organization. With her exceptional analytical skills and attention to detail, Chloe is a trusted advisor who can provide valuable guidance on technical matters while keeping a sharp focus on compliance requirements.

Kate is a highly motivated and organised administration associate with an unyielding commitment to work. As a junior member of the organisation, she takes everything in her stride and is eager to learn, demonstrating excellence in all of her work.

Kate's eagerness to learn has led her to undertake a Diploma of Project Management, and she continues to pursue further education and experience to enhance her skills. Her polished abilities in organisational management and her proven leadership in high-paced environments makes her and invaluable addition to any project team or organisation.