The Centre of Decommissioning Australia (CODA) is excited to welcome Renae Larsen as the new Program Director of the National Decommissioning Research Initiative (NDRI), bringing a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to this pivotal role. As former Director Cassy Schmidt bids farewell, her invaluable contributions are acknowledged and celebrated. The transition marks an exciting chapter for NDRI and the broader research community.
Renae Larsen’s decision to embrace the role was underscored by the compelling technical challenges and collaborative prospects that NDRI offers. With an extensive background in managing complex environmental monitoring and research projects in both industry and government domains, Renae’s expertise positions her as a valuable asset to the NDRI.
“The unique technical challenges and collaborative nature of the NDRI, as well as the broader application of the research outcomes on both a local and global scale, are what stood out to me the most.”
Looking ahead, Renae envisions building on the groundwork and momentum established during NDRI’s Phase 1. Her vision for Phase 2 centres around fostering collaboration among experts from diverse backgrounds, including industry, research organisations, government, and the community.
“NDRI has been crucial in bringing people from a diverse range of expertise, backgrounds, and organisations together, to improve the understanding of environmental interactions and challenges faced during the decommissioning of oil and gas infrastructure in Australia’s marine environment.”
Renae’s background as a marine scientist and her substantial experience in coordinating advisory panels and collaborative research endeavours make her an ideal leader for NDRI. With a foundation in Fisheries Research and Environmental Consulting, she has since dedicated a large part of her career to the oil and gas sector in Western Australia, playing an instrumental role in marine and terrestrial environmental monitoring programs, environmental impact assessments, and risk evaluations. Renae’s expertise extends to effectively connecting industry stakeholders, scientific experts, and regulatory bodies to achieve collaborative research outcomes.
As Renae embarks on her leadership journey, CODA and the NDRI bid a fond farewell to outgoing Director Cassy Schmidt.
“I want to say a big thanks to you all and wish you all the best. It has been a great role, and I hope that CODA continues to open Australia’s eyes to the world of Decommissioning and the opportunities we have to get it right.” – Cassy Schmidt
Cassy’s contributions have undoubtedly paved the way for NDRI’s continued success.
