SEEC was represented by a delegation of four members at the annual conference organised by the International Erosion Control Association (IECA), with support from Stormwater Queensland. The conference, held in Noosa, attracted a substantial turnout of industry professionals, aligning with the theme of “best practice and beyond – resilience and sustainability in soil and water management.” The event, which sold out, proved to be highly engaging over its two-and-a-half-day duration.
The conference boasted exceptional keynote addresses, informative technical presentations, an enlightening field trip, and a memorable conference dinner and awards ceremony. Notable moments included a captivating Welcome to Country by Lyndon Davis and Simon Cathcart’s keynote emphasizing the importance of recognising barriers, biases, and fostering innovation by focusing on individuals with the skills and traits necessary for success in their respective fields.
Technical presentations covered a range of topics, such as effective Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) programs, initiatives to protect the Great Barrier Reef, waterway naturalization, challenges to sustainability, regulatory policy updates, major infrastructure project advancements, innovative treatment measures, Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) condition assessments, and adaptive management strategies.
SEEC’s own Andrew Macleod delivered a popular and well-received session about erosion and sediment control in waterways, which included his reflections on the use and misuse of floating silt curtains.
The conference also featured prestigious awards from IECA and Stormwater Queensland. An after-dinner address by Natalie Waters, detailing her diverse experiences from a kayak salesperson to a personal protection officer for the Queen, provided valuable insights into profiling and understanding people for building both personal and professional relationships.
Kel Sanson’s dawn tours of the breathtaking Paradise Caves in Noosa National Park added a unique and memorable dimension to the event.
Overall, the conference was a resounding success. SEEC’s staff found the event to be enlightening and engaging, and were pleased to be able to gain valuable insights, learn about new products, meet other industry leaders and encourage young professionals.
We are eagerly anticipating the next edition scheduled for October 2024 in Queenstown.
