Sandra Nielsen
Altona,VIC
Summary
Over 20 years of experience in the renewable energy sector, focusing on energy transition initiatives that prioritize community engagement and equitable practices. Proven track record in managing energy and transmission projects that enhance reliability, reduce customer costs, and lower carbon emissions. Strong collaborator within multidisciplinary teams, driving successful project outcomes through effective communication and teamwork.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Stakeholder Engagement Specialist
AEMO
Melbourne, Vic
12.2018 - 05.2025
· Designed and implemented stakeholder plans for key projects including Western Renewables Link and Victoria to NSW Interconnector West
· Produced stakeholder assessments to inform options and highlight risks for the for potentially contentious projects listed in the Integrated System Plan
· Contributed content to Regulatory Investment Test reports as part of a multidisciplinary team
· Chaired various forums
· Provided advice ad hoc to senior management and the ISP team on Victorian matters
· Undertook a six-month secondment to VicGrid within the offshore wind stakeholder team, undertaking engagement in Gippsland and South West Victoria
· Developed presentations,
· Provided background information and risks to communication staffers
· Involved in the TOUS consultation process
· Provided content for webpages
· Working with councils, government staffers, opponents, supporters, etc etc
Stakeholder Consultation Specialist
AusNet Services
Melbourne, Vic
02.2012 - 11.2018
· Developed AusNet Services ‘Stakeholder Engagement Framework for Key Projects’
· Designed and implemented stakeholder engagement plans for various projects including:
o Richmond, West Melbourne and Brunswick Terminal Station Upgrades
o Bushfire Safety Mitigation Projects (REFCL)
o Various substation upgrades/rebuilds
o Minigrid investigations developments
o Held community forums for Brunswick
o East West Link
Education
Ph.D. - Social Sciences
University of Tasmania
TAS08-2002
Skills
- Stakeholder engagement
- Stakeholder assessments
- Regulatory content creation
- Community forum facilitation
- Presentation development
- Project management
Affiliations
- Sailing
- Watching my kids play sport
- Travel
Accomplishments
Bradshaw, Matt, & Williamson, Sandra, & Wood, Les (2008). From input controls to quota management in the Tasmanian rock lobster fishery, New Zealand geographer 56. 32 - 41. 10.1111/j.1745-7939.2000.tb01573.x.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-7939.2000.tb01573.x
Applying qualitative and quantitative research: a social impact assessment of a fisheryMatt Bradshaw, Les Wood, Sandra Williamson
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0143-6228(00)00021-7
Timeline
Stakeholder Engagement Specialist
AEMO
12.2018 - 05.2025
Stakeholder Consultation Specialist
AusNet Services
02.2012 - 11.2018
Ph.D. - Social Sciences
University of Tasmania