CQU Mackay graduate and environmental scientist Alana Eggleton was recently among 4 finalists at a ceremony in Canberra to announce the 2008 Australian Industry & Defence Network* (AIDN) Young Achiever Award.

DMO Head of Industry, Kerry Clarke, announced the winner and all state and territory finalists, emphasising the importance of acknowledging and encouraging all talented young Australians involved in the defence industry.

Alana Eggleton

"These fine young Australians are the key to our future and initiatives such as the AIDN Young Achiever Award continue to nurture this talent," Mr Clarke said. "All finalists represented their state magnificently in the national finals."

The national winner was AIDN-NSW finalist Ellouise Tanks from International Seal Company.

Alana completed her Bachelor of Environmental Science degree at CQU in 2001 and is currently studying a Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Management through CQU, which she'll complete this year. She is also participating in the AIDN-NT DEAL program to undertake a Diploma in Project Management. 

Alana is currently a Project Environmental Scientist for ENSR Australia Pty Ltd (HLA ENSR) with 6 years' environmental consultancy experience in her home state of Queensland and the Northern Territory.

Her experience working with the Department of Defence as a consultant includes environmental impact assessments, contaminated site assessments; risk assessments for feral animal management, land condition assessments at training areas and a disposal environmental impact assessment of the Fremantle Class Patrol boats.

Alana Eggleton (left) with the other finalists

"I am passionate about my job and love working on a range of innovative projects for the Department of Defence and other clients, looking at smart ways to manage the environment without impacting on activities or capability," said Alana.

"Too often, land management is undertaken to the detriment of an organisation's activity/capability, and a significant challenge for environmental consultants is to develop methods of land management which enhance rather than hinder these activities".

Over the past few years, Alana has been an active member of the HLA ENSR Defence team, having managed and participated in a wide range of projects across Army, Navy and Air Force.

Some other examples include: managing the environmental monitoring programs for Defence at the Mt Bundy and Bradshaw Field Training Areas; undertaking ground water contamination studies at a RAAF Base; development of an environmental management system for Army and Navy sites in Darwin and whole of life issues surrounding the introduction of the ABRAMS Main Battle Tank and Support Vehicles.

Alana has also undertaken numerous site assessments and prepared management plans for a range of Defence facilities in the NT/Kimberley region. She enjoys unique challenges of working with Defence.

* The Australian Industry & Defence Network is an initiative which aims to generate business opportunities for its SME members both locally and via global supply chains. The network operates in every Australian state and territory with over 830 members.