Board Chair – Southern Queensland Natural Resources Management Ltd T / A Southern Queensland Landscapes

Southern Queensland Landscapes coordinate, connect, and engage with land managers, community groups, First Nations people and others to learn from each other and work collaboratively to ensure flourishing landscapes and healthy communities. 

The organisation aims to assist communities to be united by sustainable practices, enabled by science and technology and supported by First Nations’ knowledge to improve all life.  

There is a clear focus on delivering sustainable environmental outcomes to improve the lives of people in regional community now and for the future. 

As part of their ongoing operation, education is a critical element, providing information, education and conducting research on the natural environment or a significant aspect of the natural environment to aid in flourishing landscapes & healthy communities is core to the business focus of Southern Queensland Natural Resources Management Ltd. 

OUR PURPOSE 

To improve the lives of people in regional communities now and for the future.

OUR VISION 

Communities united by sustainable practices, enabled by science and technology, and supported by First Nations’ knowledge, to improve all life.

OUR MISSION 

Connecting and supporting communities to take care of landscapes. 

Southern Queensland Landscapes (SQL) is a member based, natural resource management organisation supporting a diverse geographical region that extends west from Toowoomba. It was established in 2018 from the merger of three important natural resource organisations in the region. These separate entities had been in existence for the previous 18 years prior to the merger. 

SQL works closely with local land managers, community leaders and industry professionals to enhance natural resource management efforts to balance productivity and environmental health in the region and further afield. 

SQL achieves outcomes for regional communities through essential projects, evidence-based resources, connecting people, and creating valuable networks. 

With their new CEO starting in Feb 2025 the organisation is well placed to embark on the next chapter of their evolution with a renewed focus and vigour to achieve the strategic growth and vision set in place by the board.  

With a strong values proposition, evolving reputation, and passionate team, the organisation is looking to build on their financial viability and long-term sustainability moving forward. 

With an existing membership there is opportunity for further development, growth and engagement of members. This growth will be realised through improved membership structure and more formalised methods of communication and engagement. Corporate partnerships are also an area of development within the membership group. 

Stakeholder engagement is critical to the success of the organisation with Local, State & Federal Government actively seeking counsel from the organisation. 

Moving forward the organisation is strongly focused on brand awareness and developing market. This is achieved by raising awareness of what the membership offers Government and Corporate. And these Corporate partnerships, where they can affect impact, are widespread across multiple sectors including mining, infrastructure, construction, agriculture and Government to name a few. 

Advocacy also forms a large part of the strategic focus for the board. As with all membership organisations, advocacy for members through considered and deliberate representation by ensuring studies, white papers and policy development are impactful is essential. 

• Operate ethically and consistently in line with high standards of corporate governance. 
• Diversify revenue streams 
• Build profile & reputation. 
• Develop & deliver exceptional services. 
• Strengthen partnerships & networks. 

A distributed membership across Queensland presents its own unique challenges in developing culture and a sense of team. Being visible and in regular contact with membership across the state is an essential component for the chair position. 

This travel will also involve advocacy and ongoing relationship development with partners and Government stakeholders. 

Identifying and developing new and existing revenue streams is ongoing. Partnerships with business and industry is a strong focus for the board and with an established network you can open doors for the CEO to engage and develop these potential partnerships.  

There is a lot to be done to build on the success this organisation has had to date. These successes include significant partnerships with other environmental agencies and Bio security initiatives.  

In identifying future opportunities, the board of Southern Queensland Natural Resources Management Ltd T/A Southern Queensland Landscapes are looking to enrich the board with a new Chair. 

This Chair will join an experienced board with a clear focus on the growth of the organisation, firmly based on their core values of Purpose, Vision and Mission. Contributing to a positive environment with a strong growth mindset, this is a functional board with a broad skillset covering Community engagement and capacity building, Government and Agency knowledge and networks, Advocacy and Influence, Business Development, Innovation and Revenue Generation.  

Dynamic and strategic, this board works in a timely manner. Exploring opportunities when they arise, in line with the strategic plan, there is a strong level of trust amongst directors. Decisions are made in a strong evidence-based setting. 

A supportive environment encouraging robust discussion, once a decision is made there is a collegial effort to see decisions through to conclusion. There is no place for egos in this environment, passion, drive and determination are necessary attributes to align with the functionality of this board, and functionality is critical for the growth they are looking to achieve in securing funding streams, partnerships and providing best practice natural resource management. 

This is a growing, multifaceted, membership organisation with a genuine focus on solidifying their financials with a view to ongoing sustainability. Actively contributing to the drive and development of this organisation, you’re not afraid to roll your sleeves up and lead the strategic direction of this organisation.  

With a wide understanding of Australian business and a contemporary understanding of the economy, it is highly desirable that you also possess significant experience within one or more of the following domains. 

Natural Resource Environment 

It is a given that you will bring demonstrated experience on a range of areas that support membership including Natural Capital, Biosecurity, Environmental Markets, Sustainable Agriculture, Environmental Recover & Resilience amongst others. 

Partnerships and Engagement 

With a diverse stakeholder group, you have demonstrated abilities to talk with a wide audience with strong engagement and relationship building skills. You bring an ability to influence others without dominating, building trust and respect with integrity. 

Governance and Compliance 

Demonstrated abilities in good governance and compliance are essential. Qualifications within this area are highly desirable. 

Research & Advocacy  

Experience in both identifying issues of national significance, and lobbying State and Federal Government, people who are well connected with a good network of contacts across multiple sectors including Corporate, Community Federal, State & local governments will be highly regarded.  

Financial/Business Acumen 

Sound financial and business acumen with a well-developed understanding of financial reporting at board level and director accountabilities. 

Commercialisation  

Experience in creating value-added services for membership and identifying/commercialising new revenue streams.  

This is a stable board environment, with a mixed tenure of board members ranging from 1st term through to 4th term. Terms are three years in duration with board directors seeking reelection through membership.  

There is a high level of consensus amongst the board members in the direction the organisation is going. The board is well attuned to the strengths and skills that sit around the table and draw out the strengths of these individuals accordingly. 

This stable board environment is backed by a high-level executive team under the leadership of recently appointed CEO Gillian Meppem, who has a clear remit to steer strategic direction with emphasis on government relations, regional, and community partnerships.  

The important areas of focus for this role are: 

• Apolitical as a leader in Community Engagement/Advocacy/Influencer/working with minority groups 
• Demonstrated commercial acumen 
• Social Governance Skills. 
• ESG – strong Environmental skills, knowledge and experience – well-connected and influential 
• Contemporary Leader 
• Previous experience as a successful Director/Chair. 
• Growth mindset 
• Understanding development & implementation of a strategic plan 
• Proven ability at board level 
• Membership Organisation Experience 
• Advocacy & research 

Constitutional requirements: 

• A resident of the Southern Queensland region and if not a resident, has demonstrated connection with and sound knowledge and understanding of natural resource management in the Southern Queensland region, who has demonstrated leadership skills 
• Strong background in natural resource management and demonstrated understanding of Whole-of-Catchment/Regional natural resource management issues 
• Demonstrated capability in either or both of community engagement and capacity building 
• Highly skilled in one or more of; executive management, governance policy, practices and processes, risk and compliance, strategic and corporate planning, advocacy and influence, finance and business management and fundraising and marketing. 
• Highly regarded by Traditional Owner, natural resource management and related industry groups within the Southern Queensland Region and Queensland and respected by all levels of government. 
• Strong mediation and issue resolution skills. 
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with diverse peoples/populations and rural and urban communities. 

Potential attributes & skills for successful candidate 

• Significant executive experience in their field of expertise  
• Strong established networks 
• Turnaround /Business transformation 
• Evidence based decision maker. 
• Strong leadership 
• Ability to advance the organisation externally. 
• Highly relational 
• Significant communication skills at all levels 

Essential for this role is the need to be visible in the business, regular contact with all stakeholders and teams to support and develop relationships and trust is critical to the success of this position. 

Experienced working at board level you can influence without dominating. You are professionally mature and competent at having robust and respectful conversations, embracing decisions that are made in the best interest of the organisation. 

With a high EQ you understand team dynamics and value culture having promoted positive culture in previous roles. Your people skills are honed to develop strong partnerships and robust, collaborative relationships. Your understanding of the membership ecosystem is at your core. 

An endearing nature, you will cultivate positive relationships developing trust and influence. Bringing an inquisitive nature to the position you actively engage with all stakeholders to see where you can add value and support. 

You are well researched and bring a curious mindset to the boardroom environment. As an evidenced based decision maker, you are well prepared and organised which equips you well to lead and guide as the chair of the Board, valuing the level of accountability invested in you. 

• CEO 
• Board  
• External stakeholders 

• Focused, High integrity, Driven.  
• Passionate, collaborative, robust 

When submitting your application, ensure your application includes: 

• An up-to-date resume (in Word format) 

• A covering letter (in Word format) outlining your interest and expertise relevant to the role 

Submit your application quoting reference number MCBCNR to apply@windsor-group.com.au. For more information please contact Mike Conroy on 07 3211 0001. Your application will be acknowledged by email within one business day. 

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