Who We Are
Our team is comprised of industry experts and passionate individuals who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to every project.
We believe that our success is driven by the strength of our team, and we foster a collaborative and inclusive environment that encourages innovation, excellence, and personal growth. Get to know our remarkable team members who are committed to delivering outstanding results and exceeding client expectations.

Wayne Moffitt is a Brisbane-based ecologist and environmental planner holding a Bachelor of Science ...More

Wayne Moffitt
Wayne Moffitt is a Brisbane-based ecologist and environmental planner holding a Bachelor of Science (AES) degree from Griffith University. As of 2025, Wayne has 32 years of consulting experience and 23 years providing expert evidence on environmental planning matters in Queensland and NSW.
Wayne commenced practice with James Warren and Associates in NSW, where he worked on a range of residential, quarrying, and prominent coastal development projects (‘Salt’, Casuarina Beach, Kings Forest, and Cobaki Lakes). In 1997, Wayne returned to Brisbane, where he continued to work on a similar suite of projects with AGC Woodward Clyde and Belt Collins.
In 2001, Wayne became a founding director of PLACE Planning and Design (later PLACE Design Group), where he established the environmental management team and began providing expert evidence to the Queensland Planning and Environment Court, the Queensland Land Court, and the NSW Land and Environment Court.
In 2010, Wayne was seconded to the Department of Transport and Main Roads to deliver a Road Corridor Environmental Assessment for the Metropolitan Region. With SMEC, he later delivered a similar study for the state’s remaining DTMR districts, a logistically challenging (Queensland-wide) study, which was completed in nine months.
In 2012, Wayne joined the resources advisory firm AMEC, where he coordinated ecological assessments and environmental management plans for a range of mining projects and associated infrastructure (rail and power). Concurrently, he founded 28 South Environmental, and by 2013, was running this predominantly urban advisory firm full-time.
Since 2013, 28 South has grown to a permanent staff of 24. It has expanded from its urban development roots to now also advise on major infrastructure projects for private and public sector entities (we are assisting with several emerging Olympic projects). More generally, our team advises state and local governments through professional services panels. In recent years, the strengthening of the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 has seen 28 South undertake significant work in this challenging space, and this is now a core area of the business.
Wayne is involved in many of the 28 South projects, particularly those in sensitive settings or with complex approval pathways. A significant component of Wayne’s work is advising on (and reshaping) projects that are on a trajectory towards refusal. This real-world experience outside of the appeal space provides a useful perspective within the appeal space.
Wayne continues to provide expert evidence to the various Queensland courts. In this regard, Wayne has represented appellants and regulators in over 100 legal matters involving urban development, quarrying, landfill and resource recovery, tourism, agriculture, resumptions and disputes regarding unlawful clearing. He is very familiar with the rigours of expert witness work, the requirements for a pragmatic and congenial approach to dispute resolution, and the need to provide clients with clear and frank advice on their position in legal proceedings.
Explore Wayne’s Work by Sector
Agriculture | Urban | Tourism/Recreation | Infrastructure/Quarry/Resources/Landfill | LandCourt | NSW

Mitchell is an environmental manager and ecologist with 14 years of experience in coordinating ecolo...More

Mitch Taylor
Mitchell is an environmental manager and ecologist with 14 years of experience in coordinating ecological impact assessment studies, strategising development approvals, and implementing fauna, vegetation, offset and rehabilitation management strategies.
Mitchell has coordinated teams undertaking ecological assessments for mining, CSG-LNG, urban development and infrastructure, and State and Local government development projects in Queensland and NSW.
He is a pragmatic and experienced practitioner, who has guided approvals on many complex projects.
Through his project experiences, Mitchell understands the practical application of ecology and the need to identify and liaise directly with clients to achieve a sound scientific outcome whilst incorporating the ultimate project goals

Mark is a consulting environmental scientist and project manager with considerable experience in env...More

Mark Barnett
Mark is a consulting environmental scientist and project manager with considerable experience in environmental impact assessment, coordination of project approval applications, environmental construction management and contaminated land assessment.
Mark has leveraged his breadth of technical and regional experiences to manage teams distributed across Australia, New Zealand and the US in delivering complex projects.
In doing so, Mark has guided clients and their projects through environmental approval processes under both the Queensland and Commonwealth legislative frameworks.
Consequently, Mark has been engaged on a number of high profile, technically and politically complex projects and has an appreciation of the sensitivities and challenges that major projects bring to local environments.
As an indication of his experience, Mark has managed and/or been a core team member in the delivery of 12 Environmental Impact Statements for projects across Queensland in the last 15 years. Such involvements have helped Mark to develop practical skills in the management of environmental impacts, stakeholder management/ negotiation skills and the ability to drive a program of work through to successful completion.

Andrew is an environmental practitioner with over 30 years of experience in the profession. He has p...More

Andrew Dickinson
Andrew is an environmental practitioner with over 30 years of experience in the profession. He has practiced continuously in ecology and environmental science, with additional training in landscape architecture.
He has consulting experience across Queensland, New South Wales, Northern Territory, Victoria and New Caledonia in industry sectors including unconventional gas (CSG), mining and extractive industries; linear infrastructure (road, rail, water, power, telecommunications); manufacturing and processing; urban development and strategic planning for private, public and NGO clients.
Andrew’s work has included contaminated land assessment, environmental monitoring (air, water and noise), development of environmental management plans and auditing, occupational and para-occupational health monitoring, Environmental Impact Assessment and applied ecology. He designs, manages and implements environmental monitoring, ecological assessments, impact studies, strategic assessments and developed management and rehabilitation plans addressing the regulatory requirements of Local, State and Commonwealth Governments.

Kathleen is a motivated and enthusiastic planning consultant with 10 years’ experience in private an...More

Kathleen Whybird
Kathleen is a motivated and enthusiastic planning consultant with 10 years’ experience in private and government entities. She has experience in strategic and statutory planning projects of varying complexities
Kathleen is interested in all aspects of development assessment, strategic planning, community planning, and infrastructure planning. She has strong knowledge and application of State and Federal Legislation and experience within Queensland, New South Wales, and Northern Territory.
Prior to joining 28 South Environmental, Kathleen had an integral role in the development and consultation of the draft Ipswich Plan 2024. Kathleen is transparent, inclusive, and a collaborative communicator. She is an outcome focused professional with a proactive and pragmatic approach.

Christopher Huff is a dedicated and experienced ecologist and environmental scientist with a robust ...More

Christopher Huff
Christopher Huff is a dedicated and experienced ecologist and environmental scientist with a robust background in ecological surveys, project management, and environmental regulatory compliance.
With a Master’s degree in Environmental Management and a Bachelor’s degree in Ecology and Geographical Sciences from The University of Queensland, Christopher brings environmental assessments, strategic ecological design, and the development of environmental management plans. His career includes notable contributions to Commonwealth and State-level environmental approvals for large-scale projects, including renewable energy initiatives, infrastructure development, and conservation planning.
Christopher’s skill set spans technical ecological assessments, flora and fauna identification, and preparation of detailed environmental reports. He excels in coordinating multidisciplinary teams, liaising with clients to build lasting relationships, and ensuring compliance with complex legislative frameworks. Passionate about fostering collaboration and delivering sustainable solutions, Christopher’s strategic thinking and commitment to excellence consistently drive impactful outcomes for both clients and the environment.

Christoph leads the Ecological Design sector of 28 South Environmental. He is an award-winning Lands...More

Christoph Pester
Christoph leads the Ecological Design sector of 28 South Environmental.
He is an award-winning Landscape Architect with more than 20 years of experience.
Christoph has led and delivered a wide range of projects across all design phases in various sectors such as Infrastructure, Public Realm, Commercial, Health, Renewables, Residential and Open Space sectors and has worked in Germany, New Zealand and Australia.
Christoph has a strong interest in the natural environment and combines this understanding with the detailed on-site and construction knowledge to achieve outstanding project outcomes to meet client objectives.
His passion for water in the environment and landscape have made him a well-regarded industry key player in the fields of WSUD, waterway naturalisation and bushland rehabilitation.

With a Masters degree in Geography and Environmental Management, Mark brings 18 years of experience ...More

Mark Ryan
With a Masters degree in Geography and Environmental Management, Mark brings 18 years of experience delivering complex environmental projects across a broad range of sectors, including residential, mixed-use (housing, commercial, and light industrial), renewable energy, extractive industries, and linear infrastructure.
As an experienced environmental project manager, he is skilled at fostering strong, collaborative relationships with clients and technical specialists, leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver Environmental and Social Impact Assessments across New South Wales and Queensland.
His work supporting clients through construction-phase compliance has sharpened his ability to navigate regulatory frameworks and promote environmental outcomes that align with both client objectives and best-practice environmental management.

Tom Cranny is a committed and skilled Senior Environmental Planner, specialising in environmental as...More

Thomas Cranny
Tom Cranny is a committed and skilled Senior Environmental Planner, specialising in environmental assessment, project management, and spatial analysis, holding a Bachelor of Regional and Town Planning.
With four years of experience at 28 South Environmental, Tom has progressed through a range of diverse roles. From starting out as a field assistant and GIS technician, he advanced to Planning Graduate undertaking environmental assessments across a broad range of Local Governments, including State and Commonwealth referral pathways, and progressing to project manager. Tom also gained international experience working as a Town Planner for a small local government in Canada, which provided him with a unique understanding of diverse planning approaches and regulatory frameworks.
Most recently, he has been involved with the expansion of the company to the Sunshine Coast to facilitate unique opportunities for clients in central and north Queensland. This comprehensive journey has equipped him with a strong working knowledge of the environmental planning sector, alongside expertise in GIS analysis and strategic environmental design.
Tom skillfully translates these insights, applying innovative solutions to his passion for fostering sustainable urban precincts, places, and cities. He is particularly excited to contribute to a number of upcoming Olympic, infrastructure, and strategic projects that will leave a lasting sustainable legacy for Queensland.

Bianca is a Senior Ecologist with over six years of field and consulting experience across Queenslan...More

Bianca Staker
Bianca is a Senior Ecologist with over six years of field and consulting experience across Queensland.
Bianca has a Master of Science, specialising in Natural Resource Management, and has worked on a wide range of projects involving ecological assessment, offset planning, and environmental monitoring. Bianca’s experience largely includes threatened flora and fauna assessment, Habitat Quality assessment, Regional Ecosystem mapping, and the development and implementation of management plans in line with State and Commonwealth environmental requirements.
Bianca now successfully manages and coordinates ecological projects, particularly environmental offset design and management plans. She is experienced in the design and delivery of field surveys, and interpretation of spatial and ecological data which contribute to environmental approvals and reporting. She’s worked closely with clients, landholders, and multidisciplinary teams across renewable energy, mining, linear infrastructure, and local land development projects.

Mitchell Oxley serves as a Senior Spatial Ecologist at 28 South Environmental, where he transforms c...More

Mitchell Oxley
Mitchell Oxley serves as a Senior Spatial Ecologist at 28 South Environmental, where he transforms complex spatial data into clear, ecologically informed insights.
Leveraging a Bachelor's degree in Science and five years of expertise in GIS techniques, he is highly skilled in crafting visually impactful graphics, maps, and figures that underpin project outcomes. Mitchell collaborates closely with project managers, guiding investigations and ensuring data accurately conveys critical findings. He actively champions the integration of AI within environmental consulting, pioneering tools that enhance efficiency and streamline contemporary workflows.
Other key staff
Nick Dennett
Environmental Consultant
Gordon Morris
Grad. Consultant
Radha Turner
Under Grad. Consultant
Abi Kinnaird
Grad. Environmental Planner
Tahlia Piccirillo
Grad. Environmental Consultant
Justin Armstrong
Senior Field Ecologist
Sally Thompson
Grad. Ecologist
Callum McKercher
Ecologist
Emily Kinchin
Grad. Ecologist
Amber Dods
Grad. Ecologist
Dianne Michaels
Project Management Assistant
Fleur Robson
EA/Office Manager