Author: Lorraine Dunmall
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From Tread to Tomorrow: How Australian Businesses Can Turn Old Tyres into Roads, Cement and Net-Zero Wins
Tyres and a Circular Economy Did you know that Australia produces over half a million tonnes of end-of-life tyres every year? Too many end up shredded and stockpiled, or even landfilled which is a real waste of resources and a challenge for our Net Zero 2050 goals. The good news? Innovative companies are turning old…
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Building Better in a Warming World: What Australia’s 2035 Climate Target Means for Construction
It’s no secret the world is heating up, quite literally. The recently released State of the Global Climate 2024 report by the World Meteorological Organization confirms that 2024 may be the first year global temperatures officially breach the 1.5°C threshold, albeit temporarily. Sea levels are at record highs, oceans are warming rapidly, and climate-related disasters…
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The False Comfort of “Out of Sight, Out of Mind”
My blog “The False Comfort: Out of Sight, Out of Mind” unpacks some of the things I’ve seen over the years when it comes to contaminated waste — the kind that quietly gets left behind, buried, or forgotten. It’s not always intentional, but these ‘out of sight’ issues don’t really go away they just wait…
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Staying on the Right Side of the EPA: Lessons for Industry and Construction
Seeing how the EPA enforces environmental rules is a useful reminder for anyone managing a project. It’s not just about avoiding fines—proper waste tracking, site approvals, and pollution controls protect your team, your reputation, and your bottom line. By learning from public enforcement cases and focusing on practical compliance, businesses can stay on the right…
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Are Your Sediment Controls Effective? Here’s What You Need to Know
When was the last time you walked your construction site during or immediately after rainfall to observe where the dirty water is going? If you haven’t done this recently, it’s time to get out there. Sediment runoff isn’t just an environmental issue, it’s a compliance risk and community concern that can lead to significant fines…
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Why I Chose Consulting: The Human Side of Environmental Work
In the past few weeks, I’ve been out connecting with civil earthworks teams around Melbourne, listening, learning, and sharing practical ways environmental support can add real value. This blog reflects on those conversations, my time with Fulton Hogan, and why I chose to step into consulting. It’s not just about compliance — it’s about culture,…
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Beyond the Electric Car: Why Sustainability Is the Best Business Decision You’ll Make
Beyond the Electric Car: Why Sustainability Is the Best Business Decision You’ll Make As an ISAP (Infrastructure Sustainability Accredited Professional), I’m not here to throw jargon at you or aim for perfection. I don’t hold a degree in sustainability or social impact but I’ve spent years working alongside some amazing sustainability advisors, learning what really…
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From Enforcement to Engagement
Building Better, Greener, Smarter In construction and earthworks, doing the right thing for the environment isn’t just good practice, it’s good business. From faster start work approvals and smarter design solutions to hands-on collaboration with regulators and project teams, lets help turn complex environmental requirements into practical, on-site results. Check out my latest blog to…
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Fast-Tracking EPBC Reform: What Renewable Energy Developers Need to Know
If you’ve been watching the environmental approvals landscape in Australia, you’ll know it hasn’t exactly been known for speed or simplicity. But things are starting to shift. In August 2025, the government kicked off a process to fast-track reforms to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act, aiming to have new legislation introduced by…
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There’s Something to Be Said About Proactive Enforcement
What if the environmental regulator wasn’t the enemy but a project partner? In this post, I share real-world insights from the civil and construction industry and show how early collaboration between contractors, consultants and regulators can reduce costs, delays, and environmental risk while building stronger, more trusted relationships.
TIH Consulting 