Our board
Dr Neil Byron
Chair
Neil has provided independent, practical economics and policy advice on natural resources – biodiversity, water resources, agriculture, fisheries, and forestry – including 12 years as Productivity Commissioner, where he conducted 26 public Inquiries. Subsequently, he has been engaged in a succession of part-time assignments involving policy formulation and/or evaluation of natural resource management policies, in Australia and overseas. Neil has extensive experience in governance, and strategic and corporate planning that anticipates and identifies emerging trends, in both government and the private sector.<br><br>Previously, Neil was:<br>- Chair, Audit and Risk Committee, Productivity Commission, (2021-24)<br>Member, MDBA’s Advisory Committee on Social, Economic and Environmental Sciences (2018-23)<br>- Member Commonwealth Threatened Species Scientific Committee (2024)<br>- Trustee, NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust (2017-19)<br>- Assistant Commissioner, then Commissioner, NSW Natural Resources Commission (2018-21)<br>- Non-executive director, Earthwatch Institute Australia, Melbourne (2010-16)<br>- Member of the Independent Science Panel for Great Barrier Reef (2009 – 14)<br>- Member of IUCN’s World Commission on Protected Areas (2005-10) <br>Deputy Director General, Centre for International Forest Research (1993-98) based in Indonesia<br>- Director ANU Graduate Program in Environment and Development (1990-93)<br>- Deputy Director, Nepal Australia Community Forestry Project, Kathmandu, Nepal (1986-91) and<br>- Team Leader, UNDP/FAO Planning Team, Dhaka, Bangladesh (1982-84)<br> <br>Neil has over 100 peer reviewed articles and books, mainly in environmental economics and international development economics. He is a Fellow of the Aust Institute of Company Directors and of the Royal Society (NSW).<br>
Professor Ian Rutherfurd
Director
<p>Ian is a fluvial geomorphologist with 30 years working with governments and communities in stream and catchment management. His research spans basic and applied river processes, and he has completed over 150 publications, $7m in funded research projects, and 70 consulting projects. Ian also has rich experience in education and professional training of all types.</p><p>After spending twenty years at the University of Melbourne (of which several years were spent seconded to the Victorian State government working in river policy) Ian joined Alluvium in a part-time capacity. In addition to his involvement in many consulting projects, he chairs the Alluvium Foundation and helps coordinate the Research and Insights Program. He brings deep experience in the application of research to all aspects of river and water management, as well as excellent connections across the water sector. </p>
Dr Paul Maxwell
Director
Paul is a coastal ecologist and natural resource management specialist with 20 years experience working for state government, universities and not-for-profit organisations. He has had extensive experience in developing and implementing environmental, social and economic monitoring and research programs across Australia for local councils, natural resource management organisations and water utilities. He is an experienced project manager in the fields of coastal habitat management and assessment; water quality and river health management; water resource management; monitoring and evaluation; science translation and communication and stakeholder and community engagement.<br><br>Paul is the Research and Development lead for Alluvium. Throughout his career he has focused on developing better links between the best science and practitioners and has maintained an active research profile by partnering with university and industry researchers nationally and internationally. He has been involved in a diverse range of research projects which has led to extensive publications in top-tier journals in the fields of environmental management, ecological resilience, biodiversity conservation, environmental chemistry and marine and freshwater ecology. His research and monitoring outputs have directly influenced state and local government policies.
Dr Matt Francey
Director
Matt is a prominent figure in urban water and natural resource management. As the CEO of Alluvium Group and a Director of EcoFutures, Alluvium International, Mosaic Insights and Natural Capital & Climate. Matt brings extensive experience from a government, scientific and community perspective to leading the Alluvium Group.<br> <br>Under Matt's leadership, the Alluvium Group has become a thought leader in the industry. His innovative approach to policy development and management has significantly advanced environmental practices. Matt's commitment to integrating scientific research with practical solutions, including the development of Alluviums internal research program and NfP foundation has enabled the Alluvium Group to deliver impactful projects that address critical environmental challenges.<br> <br>Matt's vision for the Alluvium Group focuses on collaboration and innovation. He believes in harnessing the collective expertise of scientists, economists, engineers, and natural resource managers to develop solutions that benefit both the environment and the community. This collaborative ethos is reflected in the Alluvium Group's diverse team and their multidisciplinary approach to project delivery.<br> <br>As a leading thinker in the field, Matt continues to drive the Alluvium Group's principles and vision. His dedication to excellence and his ability to inspire and lead his team have made the Alluvium Group a trusted partner for clients and the wider industry seeking innovative and effective environmental solutions.
Cheryl Batagol
Director
Over many years of working in the waste and water sectors, Cheryl Batagol has witnessed significant environmental impact and has developed a passion for nature repair and more sustainable development.<br><br>Cheryl is chair of the board of the Alluvium Group, an environmental consultancy owned by its employees. <br><br>She is also chair of the Secure Electronic Registries Victoria board, the private sector land registry operator in Victoria. Cheryl is a director of the Not-for-Profit, Regen Melbourne and a family transport and logistics business in Deniliquin.<br><br>An experienced governance professional, she brings more than 30 years of experience as a chair and board member of government, business and not for profit enterprises.<br><br>Cheryl was Chair of the Victorian Environment Protection Authority (EPA Vic), Chair of Melbourne Water Corporation as well as a board member of many other State government entities involved in the environment, water, planning and research. <br><br>Cheryl chaired the Cooperative Research Centre for Water Sensitive Cities throughout its 9-year lifespan.<br><br>Until December 2025, Cheryl also chaired the Monash University Sustainable Development Institute’s Advisory Board and is currently a member of Monash University Council’s ESG and Estates Committee.<br><br>In her early career she had a range of management roles in the waste and transport industries. She lives on a farm in South Gippsland Victoria and has a deep interest in historic motoring.<br><br>Cheryl was awarded a Public Service Medal (PSM) in 2017 and an Honorary Doctorate of Laws (Honoris Causa) by Monash University in 2018 as well as a Centenary Medal in 2000 by the Commonwealth Government.<br>
Dr Pete Morison
Executive Officer
Dr Pete Morison is an environmental and social scientist. He has over 30 years of experience in strategic management, water governance, natural resource management, and environmental policy. Pete’s diversity of leadership and project experiences include as CEO of the Victorian water industry’s peak body (VicWater), driving the new liveability agenda for Melbourne Water, producing technical specialist services for waterways management, and policy design for integrated water management with the National Water Commission. Adept in bridging science and practice, Pete has co-authored leading international publications in Integrated Water Management and Water Sensitive Urban Design.<br><br>Pete’s expertise encapsulates a breadth and depth of land and water management. He has led asset management, catchment management, land management, property and waterways science groups. These roles engendered a cohesive planning and implementation program that fulfilled the growing community drivers for liveability, public open space access and meta-landscapes for ecology and amenity. Key artefacts under Pete’s direction include the Victorian Water Sector Economics Review (‘Value for Victoria’), Port Phillip and Westernport Floodplain Management Strategy, the Western Treatment Plant Future Land Use Plan, and Melbourne Water’s Biodiversity Credits Conservation Scheme. <br><br>An adjunct Senior Fellow in the University of Melbourne’s Environmental Social Sciences Research Group, Pete has published over 30 papers and presented at over 20 national and international conferences as a keynote and panel speaker. He is currently a regional manager at Alluvium Consulting.