Dr Chris Chilcott will bring more than 20 years’ experience in the agricultural sector and a proven scientific background to his new role as Research Leader for the Northern Territory.
Dr Chilcott’s long and distinguished research career has spanned across ecology and animal industries, pastoral production and rangeland management with the Queensland and Western Australian governments. Most recently, he served as the Director of Animal Industries at the Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
Land and Water Deputy Director Paul Bertsch said he was delighted Dr Chilcott had accepted the Research Leader role. “He brings a wealth of knowledge in managing complex industry development, general business operations and international trade and market development in livestock industries,” Dr Bertsch said.
Dr Chilcott will relocate his family to Darwin before the start of the school year in January 2016.
Meanwhile, Ms Nerida Horner will bring more than 15 years’ experience in water and sustainability to her new role as Northern Territory Science Consultant. As an Environmental Engineer, Ms Horner’s career has featured research in river and groundwater hydrology and biogeochemistry and project implementation in water management and planning in the utility sector.
Ms Horner has a Master’s degree in Applied Anthropology and Development Studies (Society and Environment). She has spent the past eight years in the Power and Water Corporation in a range of engineering and management roles—integrating sustainable water resource management with innovative community engagement practice.
Most recently, she has led design and management of successful and large-scale water and energy efficiency demonstration programs in the NT’s largest remote Aboriginal communities.
On behalf of CSIRO, Dr Bertsch would also like to welcome Ms Horner. “I'm looking forward to working closely with both researchers to strengthen our work in regard to the sustainable development of Northern Australia,” he said.
