Dr Chris Cuff is one of Australia's leading experts on the properties of swelling clays and soil dispersivity, and relationships between clay and water. He has gained international recognition for his expertise on the interactions between soils and waters under tropical conditions. With more than 35 years experience in these areas, Chris has considerable expertise in a broad range of environmentally significant areas and has led a comprehensive range of projects nationally and internationally for industry, government agencies, private clients and academic students. Some of Chris's previous roles include Senior Lecturer in geochemistry/mineralogy in the Department of Geology, Foundation Director of the Advanced Analytical Laboratory, Director of the Economic Geology Research Unit, and Dean of Science at James Cook University.
E-mail: Chris Cuff
Dr Cecily Rasmussen is an Environmental Geomorphologist who has dedicated the majority of her professional career to water quality and the processes of water, sediment and associated contaminant transportation on both spatial and temporal scales. Cecily has worked extensively in sensitive environments, including World Heritage Areas such as the coastline of the Wet Tropics Heritage Area, the islands of the Torres Strait, and the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. In recent years she has devoted considerable time to understanding the complexities of Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems (GDEs) and the impact of climate change, aquifer recharge, and the overuse of groundwaters on the ecology of these fragile ecosystems.
E-mail: Cecily Rasmussen
Mr Ben Cuff has been involved in environmental sampling (water, soil, sediment, and vegetation) for over 10 years. He has extensive field experience in a variety of situations ranging from South East Asia, to the wet tropics, and dry environments. Ben couples his field experience with high levels of computer literacy, statistical and GIS experience. He is integral to the operations of C&R Consulting by having the ability to pre-empt the requirements of others, and by intelligently compiling, analysing and presenting data and carrying out initial assessments and interpretations.
E-mail: Ben Cuff
Mr Stephen Wegner is a Geologist with a broad range of field experience in weathered tropical terrains investigating construction material quality from regional scale rock sourcing to quarry evaluation and detailed petrographic or mineralogical analysis to assist geotechnical concerns. Stephen is well versed in geological field mapping from the regional scale down to detailed structural assessments of rock wall cuttings and has logging experienced in a range of drilling methods. He has a passion for petrographic analysis including interpretation of heavily altered or weathered clay-rich lithologies. Stephen also has a keen interest in geochemistry with experience in sampling and interpretation ranging from magma mingling to evaluation of groundwater–wall rock reactions and soil / water contamination investigations.
E-mail: Stephen Wegner
Mr Reece Fraseris an Environmental Scientist with a wide ranging skill set. His primary skills are in geomorphology, acid sulphate soils, water quality, environmental planning and mining compliance and operations. Fluvial geomorphology, the study of rivers and hydrology, is the main area of expertise that he pursued throughout his university degree. He has put these skills to use in various other assessments and gained an appreciable understanding of soil processes, acid sulphate soil development, groundwater hydrology and water quality whilst at C&R. In 2010 Reece acted as an Environmental Officer at two underground and open-cut Bowen Basin Coal Mines, giving him a thorough knowledge of the issues faced by the mining industry. He has completed numerous Plan of Operation Reports, Water Management Plans, REMPs, Groundwater Monitoring Programmes, Transitional Environmental Programmes, and has advised several mines about water management issues. This experience is coupled with Reece’s thorough knowledge regarding legislative compliance faced by the development industry that he gained whilst working as a Strategic Planner and Development Assessment Officer with Local Government.
E-mail: Reece Fraser
Dr Iain Faichney is a Geologist with extensive experience in coral reef geology and siliclastic depositional systems analysis. His most recent research has been published on the evolution of drowned reef systems in response to major climate change and the response of the Pacific plate to volcanic loading at the Hawaiian hotspot. His research experience is coupled with extensive field experience working in regional and remote areas following 3 years working on both onshore and offshore exploration and production drilling rigs in the petroleum and geothermal industries. Iain is skilled at making scientific research easily understood having worked in the public sector at CSIRO as a scientific information officer and is proficient in the use of GIS for the analysis and presentation of large amounts of data. Iain has a Master of Applied Science in sedimentary depositional systems and basin analysis and a PhD in coral reef geology and carbonate development.
E-mail: Iain Faichney
Mr Geoffrey Kavanagh has been intimately involved with the water reform process in Queensland for over 10 years. The Fitzroy Basin was one of the first areas in Queensland to go through the Water Resource Planning process, and was therefore also one of the first to investigate the complex issues involved in formulating such a plan. Geoffrey was an initial member of the working group, providing practical, implementation advice and working closely with all other stakeholders. He has maintained his level of involvement in water reform issues since that time, and is consequently one of the few individuals in Queensland who has that depth of knowledge. Geoffrey is currently a member of the board of the CRC for Irrigation Futures, and has held positions on a number of water advisory groups and committees. Geoffrey has also been involved in several water pricing processes in Queensland since the beginning of the water reform agenda.
E-mail: Geoffrey Kavanagh
Mr Matthew Knott is a Marine and Aquatic Ecologist with over 6 years experience in the tropics specialising in environmental assessment and monitoring, with particular focus on freshwater and marine systems. He also has extensive experience in environmental analytical procedures, fieldwork and data collection (water, sediment and biota) for research (e.g. determining the impact of feral pigs on tropical wetlands) and providing ethical and humane control measures for feral animals. Matthew holds all relevant certificates needed to conduct the appropriate field work associated with aquatic ecosystem surveys. In addition, Matthew holds a Senior Certification for Electrofishing, a relatively unique sampling technique used to provide accurate surveys of freshwater fish populations. Since starting with C&R Consulting, Matthew has applied his detailed knowledge of ecological processes and extensive project management skills to a wide range of projects including contaminated land studies, bushfire hazard assessments, terrestrial ecological surveys, hydrology studies, groundwater surveys and assessments, intensive livestock feedlot applications, and mine compliance issues. Matthew’s unique ability to quickly adapt to new tasks makes him an integral part of C&R’s problem solving team.
Mr Sam Gillespie is a recent high school graduate who is currently undertaking tertiary studies at James Cook University for a Bachelor of Science majoring in Mathematics and Physics. Sam is adept at using modelling software such as PHREEQC and Geochemist's Workbench, and has experience with flood modelling software such as HEC-RAS. His ability to utilise concepts of maths and physics within an environmental project contribute significantly to the success of the project.
E-mail: Sam Gillespie
Ms Jennifer Rasmussen is C&R’s Office Manager. Her role is to oversee the running of the business, but also incorporating Marketing and Business Development along with HR, IR and Finance. Jennifer has a diverse career background working in the Travel Industry, Human Resources and Sales & Marketing for BRIT (mainly in the Heavy Industry Sector) and as an Industry Consultant for an Apprenticeship Centre. Jennifer has developed and implemented a range of documents, including Policies and Procedures relevant to the business. She has also developed various industry specific marketing packages.
E-mail: Jennifer Rasmussen
Miss Alissa Oats is C&R’s Administrative Officer currently engaged as a Business Administration Trainee. She is our Receptionist but also assists with accounts, report writing, document compilation and records. Alissa brings youth and enthusiasm to the team.
E-mail: Alissa Oats
