Tara Hage
Largs Bay,SA
Summary
An experienced environment, social, governance professional, with a career spanning over 20 years’ working across diverse portfolios including strategy development, sustainability, social licence/corporate social responsibility, stakeholder relations, community and Aboriginal engagement, environmental assessments and approvals and research and innovation.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Director Environment, Social, Governance
Northern Water Project Delivery Office, Dept for Infrastructure and Transport
06.2023 - Current
- Developing and executing strategies and approaches to build and maintain social licence for the Northern Water Project including overseeing community and stakeholder engagement.
- Leading complex Native Title negotiations with two Traditional Owner groups to establish Indigenous Land Use Agreements for the Project
- Leading the development and implementation of an environment, social, governance (ESG) strategy for the project, ensuring alignment with national and state policy outcomes, stakeholder expectations and recognised global sustainability reporting frameworks.
Strategy Manager
Infrastructure SA
06.2023 - 07.2024
- Provided strategic advice as part of developing of the State 20-Year Infrastructure Strategy (SIS).
- Lead the development of strategy sections focused positioning the state to respond to emerging infrastructure trends and needs including water security, decarbonisation, climate change, investment optimisation, improving resilience and supporting economic growth.
- Built and maintained effective stakeholder relationships across government and the private sector to inform and support strategy implementation. Successfully delivered a communication and engagement program as part of development of the SIS.
Senior Manager, Environmental Social Governance
SA Water
04.2022 - 05.2023
- Led multi-disciplinary portfolio with teams covering strategy and planning, innovation, sustainability, liveability, community and Aboriginal engagement to achieve high quality results.
- Led community engagement processes informing the development of SA Water’s Regulatory Business Plan (4-year investment plan).
- Oversaw the development of an organisation wide Environmental Social Government framework and strategic directions, including ensuing alignment with organisation purpose and identification of metrics and evaluation measures
- Cultivated strategic relationships with key stakeholders to enhance cross-government and industry collaboration.
- Managed budget, resources, and performance outcomes for the group.
Manager Environment, Cultural Heritage and Sustainability
Dept for Infrastructure and Transport
02.2021 - 04.2022
- Responsible for the environment, heritage and planning assessment and approval functions for South Australia’s biggest transport infrastructure project – The Torrens -to-Darlington (T2D) Project.
- Responsible for the development and integration of environment, sustainability and urban design outcomes into project’s design and procurement requirements. Led the development of Aboriginal engagement strategy. Led the development of the Project Description Report as its integration with community engagement activities.
- Built and managed a multi-disciplinary team and managed the delivery of professional advice and services to budget and time.
Program Manager, Reservoirs
SA Water
01.2019 - 02.2021
- Program Managed SA Water’s implementation and delivery of the State Government’s commitment to Opening Reservoir’s for recreational access. Oversaw all aspects of the initiative including responsibility for design, planning, approvals, communications and engagement, procurement, and the on-ground delivery of infrastructure.
- Led an effective and multi-disciplinary team and leveraged cross functional support to meet project timeframes. Managed reporting to the cross-Government Taskforce overseeing the program. Oversaw new policy development and organisational change requirements.
Senior Manager, Customer and Community Engagement
SA Water
05.2018 - 01.2019
- Lead SA Water’s comprehensive customer research and stakeholder engagement program to ensuring strategic relationships with customers, the community and key stakeholders are managed effectively to manage risks and achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
Manager, Environment, Land and Heritage Expertise
SA Water
09.2012 - 05.2018
- Led the provision of high-quality environment, land and heritage assessment and approval expertise in support of the planning, delivery and operation of SA Water’s assets and activities to achieve sustainable outcomes that meet customer expectations for the minimisation of impacts.
- Lead the provision of expert and strategic advice in the areas of land and fire management, revegetation and restoration services.
Ministerial Liaison Officer, Minister for Environment and Water
SA Water
01.2012 - 09.2012
- Ensured the effective liaison and communication between SA Water and the Minister for Water’s office, provided high quality advice to the Minister and Ministerial staff ensuring progress of issues.
Principal Environmental Impact Assessment Advisor
SA Water
09.2006 - 01.2012
- Led the provision of high-quality environment, land and heritage assessment and approval expertise in support of the planning, delivery and operation of SA Water’s assets and activities to achieve sustainable outcomes that meet customer expectations for the minimisation of impacts.
- Notably this included leading the environmental assessment and approval processes for major projects including leading the EIS for the Adelaide Desalination Plant and approvals for the North South Interconnection System Project. Developed framework for incorporation of environment, sustainability, and cultural heritage considerations as part of asset planning, project development and delivery.
Senior Environmental Management Officer
Transport SA
10.2005 - 09.2006
- Managed and oversaw the implementation of Environmental Management System frameworks, EIA system and approval processes for road and rail projects.
Sustainable Business Development Officer
SA Water
06.2004 - 10.2005
- Led the establishment of internal and external relationships, including with research organisations, to showcase collaboration in delivering ecologically sustainable solutions.
- Drove the development of new opportunities and knowledge in the areas of alternative water sources including stormwater reuse and recycled water.
Strategic Advisor
Australian Antarctic Division
01.2002 - 06.2004
- Led the development and implementation of a Strategic Plan for the Australian Antarctic Division.
- Ensured alignment of strategic directions with national and international science priorities.
Environmental Impact Assessment Officer
SA Water
01.1998 - 12.2001
- Supported the provision of best practice environmental management, provision of advice on the environmental impact and approvals requirements.
- Established environmental systems and frameworks. Audited and reported on environmental performance.
Education
Grad Diploma - Environmental Management and Sustainable Development
Australian National University
01.2012
Certificate 4 - Project Management
TAFE SA
01.2007
Graduate Certificate - Infrastructure Management
Australian National University
01.2002
Certificate 4 - Frontline Management
TAFE SA
01.2002
Bachelor - Environmental Science and Management
University of Adelaide
01.1997
Bachelor - Applied Science in Natural Resources Management
University of Adelaide
01.1996
Skills
- Strategic planning and implementation
- Performance and compliance tracking
- Stakeholder engagement strategy development
- Effective project governance
- Aboriginal engagement strategy development
- Environmental impact assessment approvals
- Sustainability strategy development
- Risk and opportunity analysis
- Collaboration with stakeholders
- Relationship building and negotiation
- Relationship building
Affiliations
- Infrastructure Sustainability Council – Water industry technical advisory group member– IS Rating Tool (2022/23)
- Member: Australian Water Association
- Water Services Association Australia – Technical Advisory Group – Social and Environment Tool (2016-2018)
- Project Advisory Committee Member, Water RA – ecological services of coastal environments (2010-2012)
- Project Advisory Committee Member, Water Reuse Research Foundation – Seawater Concentrate Disposal (2014)
Training
- Prosci Change management certificate | 2022
- Essentials of engagement (IAP2) | 2019
- Aboriginal Cultural Awareness and Competency | 2023 | 2018 | 2017 | 2014 | 2012
- Native Vegetation Assessments (accredited Native Vegetation Assessor) | 2017
- Applied Leadership | 2010
- Environmental Management System Internal Auditor Training SAI Global | 2002
Timeline
Director Environment, Social, Governance
Northern Water Project Delivery Office, Dept for Infrastructure and Transport
06.2023 - Current
Strategy Manager
Infrastructure SA
06.2023 - 07.2024
Senior Manager, Environmental Social Governance
SA Water
04.2022 - 05.2023
Manager Environment, Cultural Heritage and Sustainability
Dept for Infrastructure and Transport
02.2021 - 04.2022
Program Manager, Reservoirs
SA Water
01.2019 - 02.2021
Senior Manager, Customer and Community Engagement
SA Water
05.2018 - 01.2019
Manager, Environment, Land and Heritage Expertise
SA Water
09.2012 - 05.2018
Ministerial Liaison Officer, Minister for Environment and Water
SA Water
01.2012 - 09.2012
Principal Environmental Impact Assessment Advisor
SA Water
09.2006 - 01.2012
Senior Environmental Management Officer
Transport SA
10.2005 - 09.2006
Sustainable Business Development Officer
SA Water
06.2004 - 10.2005
Strategic Advisor
Australian Antarctic Division
01.2002 - 06.2004
Environmental Impact Assessment Officer
SA Water
01.1998 - 12.2001
Certificate 4 - Project Management
TAFE SA
Graduate Certificate - Infrastructure Management
Australian National University
Certificate 4 - Frontline Management
TAFE SA
Bachelor - Environmental Science and Management
University of Adelaide
Bachelor - Applied Science in Natural Resources Management
University of Adelaide
Grad Diploma - Environmental Management and Sustainable Development
Australian National University
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