Our Senior Team

Natalie Rayment Co-Chair and Executive Director

Natalie has built a career in town planning over the last 25 years. Her experience in both the private and public sector has culminated in her joining the Wolter Consulting Group’s Board of Directors as Executive Director in 2005, and Co-Chair from 2022. Natalie is a recognised expert town planning witness to the Court and specialises in statutory planning and development facilitation. She has always been an active participant in our industry and is currently a Member of the Property Council of Australia's Committee for Cities and Olympics Roundtable, Vice Chair of HIA Planning Committee and Member of the Management Committee of QShelter.

Natalie’s passion for planning and how it impacts the quality of life in our cities and regions led her to co-found YIMBY Qld in 2016, a not-for-profit public interest organisation, saying ‘yes in my back yard’ to good development that makes for better living. She is dedicated to balancing the conversation around development and urban policy, so often dominated by the ‘no’ voice, and her focus is on ‘getting to yes’. As part of the international YIMBY network, Natalie collaborates with a range of colleagues, working together towards a common goal of ‘housing for all’.  

From 2019-2021, Natalie became the Deputy Chair of the inaugural Board of Beddown, a charity that provides pop-up accommodation for the most vulnerable members of our community. From 2021-2022, she was Chair of the Board and was instrumental in facilitating the merger of Beddown and inCommunity group of charities in 2022.

In recognition for her commitment to planning work, Natalie was awarded Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) Qld’s Outstanding Women in Planning 2020 by her peers, and became a Fellow of PIA in 2021.

In 2023, Natalie was awarded the Women in Leadership award at the UDIA Queensland Awards for Excellence - highlighting her commitment to mentoring our emerging leaders at WCG, in the planning profession and in the development industry. 

Natalie is a member of a number of professional associations and panels, and is a sought-after speaker at conferences and seminars.

E: [email protected]

Andrew Crawford Co-Chair and Executive Director

Andrew has over 30 years’ experience across all facets of planning, development, infrastructure and consultation through a range of private sector and Government roles. Together with Natalie Rayment, Andrew leads WCG as Co-Chair of the firm’s Board of Directors. Andrew maintains an active interest in industry advocacy and continuing professional development.  He actively participates on committees and advisory bodies, and attends, participates and speaks at conferences and seminars.

Prior to joining WCG, Andrew managed the highly successful Brisbane Urban Renewal Task Force. In this capacity, Andrew was responsible for establishing a statutory planning framework for urban renewal areas, facilitating significant catalyst projects and co-ordinating the planning and delivery of community and capital works infrastructure.

E: [email protected]  

Dan Best CEO

Dan supports our Executive Leadership Team across all facets of business strategy and operations to ensure we deliver the best possible services to our clients. Dan is passionate about success orientated leadership and comes from an extensive career in law, local government, property development, insurance and construction.

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Bruce Williams Board Member, Director of ICT and Associate Director of Surveying

Bruce Williams is an Executive Director on the Board of Wolter Consulting Group. He joined the Board in 2022 and plays an important leadership role across the company. Bruce is a registered surveyor and information technology generalist with more than 15 years’ experience in surveying, spatial information management and spatial information systems design and development. In his role as a Senior Surveyor and IT Manager, Bruce carries out office based surveying duties and oversees the entire ICT systems and technological needs of the organisation.

E: [email protected]

Brad Jones Board Member and Director of Planning

In addition to his leadership role as an Executive Director on the Board of Wolter Consulting Group, Brad also leads one of the company’s core service teams.  

Brad brings over 20 years’ experience in delivering high quality residential commercial, industrial and mixed use developments to key clients. Having spent his career working closely with surveyors and urban designers, Brad has an extensive understanding of the land creation process and is considered an industry leader on the emerging trends in greenfield development and urban design.

Brad’s extensive industry experience and collaborative and outgoing nature have resulted in excellent industry networks; enabling Brad to facilitate outcomes for clients through engagement with political and senior government contacts.

Brad is a past Chair of the Property Council of Australia (QLD) Residential Committee, a position he is extremely proud of, and one which acknowledges his experience and ongoing commitment to advocacy within the property industry.

E: [email protected]

Amy Marsden Associate Director of Planning

Amy has over 20 years experience across the public and private sector.  She is a passionate and dedicated urban planner who is driven by outcomes, and is an advocate for good development contributing to stronger communities.

Prior to joining Wolter Consulting Group, Amy has worked for the Queensland State Government and in consultation, gaining experience in complex statutory and strategic planning and development assessment. During her ten years in government she led some of the most complex planning reform and planning exercises such as the implementation of new planning framework to deliver 60 new planning schemes under the Sustainable Planning Act 2009. Her role was also managing state significant projects that fell under Ministerial Directions, including development applications that were ‘called-in’.

She is experienced in complex stakeholder and community consultation and engagement, with the ability to navigate the government and political processes. Amy has extensive experience in understanding the key drivers of a planning outcome and engineering a solution to guide the successful delivery of a range of high-profile projects. Amy has an excellent understanding of the development process, having spent her career working on both sides of the development industry – working within multi-disciplinary teams and in shaping and developing planning policy and legislation.

E: [email protected]

Andrew Thurston Director of Surveying

Andrew has been a Registered Cadastral Surveyor with the Surveyors Board of Queensland for almost 30 years.  During this time he has gained significant experience in project managing the surveying components of a wide diversity of land development, infrastructure,  exploration, and construction projects in Queensland, New South Wales, Northern Territory and Papua New Guinea.

Andrew's experience covers the full range of development projects from Master Planned Communities to Community Titles Schemes and small Standard Format Lots with High Density Development Easements.

E: [email protected]

Angela Dähn-Harvey Senior Surveyor

Angela is a registered graduate surveyor with 17 years of experience in surveying and project management roles in South Africa, the UK and Australia. She has a broad range of experience in surveying and data collection, including cadastral surveying, topographic surveying, hydrographic surveying, GPS surveys, terrestrial scanning and 2D and 3D drafting. Angela has managed a number of small and large-scale survey projects and survey teams. She has worked in many different environments from inner city Central London, to rural Australia and tropical Papua New Guinea.

E: [email protected]

Brent O'Neill Director of Strategy + Place

Brent O’Neill is an urban designer and master planner with a focus on delivering quality, viable urban outcomes, having over 20 years’ experience in property, planning and urban design. His experience includes delivering projects within local government, the private development sector and as a consultant. He has significant experience in delivering strategic urban outcomes with particular attention to place making and development feasibility.

As a consulting urban designer Brent’s expertise in development includes master planning, context analysis, conceptual design, feasibility investigations, development controls and planning approval negotiations.

E: [email protected]

Cassie Batten // Associate - Strategy + Place

Cassie is an urban designer who is passionate about creating beautiful and functional places and spaces that enrich the way we live, play and work.

She has over 18 years’ experience across a range of projects and scales —from developing strategic master plans and vision documents, to the detailed design, and open space strategies leading to the design and delivery of urban communities. Cassie has worked as both a consultant for public and private sector clients, and designer for an international developer.

Cassie is a creative and clear thinker who utilises these skills to drive design processes and generate well-considered outcomes. She understands the value of collaboration in design and co-creation is integral to the way she works — bringing together clients, stakeholders, community members, and experts to exchange ideas and collectively develop innovative and tailored solutions.

Clare Brown Associate - Planning

Clare joined the WCG team in 2018 and has over five years experience working for private consultancy firms. In her current role, Clare is involved with delivering due diligence and planning advice, as well managing projects from inception through to approval and post approval services. Clare has contributed to several multi-disciplinary projects teams across a range of planning sectors, including greenfield subdivision, multi storey developments, retirement facilities and aged care. This has provided Clare with valuable experience to expand her professional knowledge and skillset. Clare has also developed a strong understanding of both state and local planning instruments.

E: [email protected]

Gary Savins Director of Planning (Gold Coast)

Gary is a Director of Planning at Wolter Consulting with over 20 years experience, and has specific statutory planning experience delivering projects at a local, national and international level. He has a particular interest and proven experience in the delivery of large scale industrial and residential projects within the South East Queensland (SEQ) region. Gary appreciates the intricacies and complexities involved in the approval and delivery of any development site, and endeavours to utilise his knowledge and experience to deliver timely commercial outcomes for all his clients whilst maintaining a collaborative and positive relationship with all stakeholders involved.

Gary has been involved in the whole lifecycle of development sites over his career, ranging from due diligence investigations and advice for purchases/or sellers; change in land use and zoning submissions; approval modifications; and legal appeals. Gary has experience in providing expert witness services to the Planning and Environment Court.

He has a detailed working knowledge of local Planning Schemes throughout Queensland, particularly those within SEQ. He also has experience and knowledge of both northern NSW and ACT Planning Schemes. Gary continues to be involved in a number of industry focus and development groups, specifically those working specifically with a number of SEQ local councils.

E: [email protected]

Glenn Hanton Senior Surveyor

Glenn is a registered surveyor with more than 15 years’ experience in surveying and project management roles with an emphasis on cadastral, engineering and mining surveying. Having joined WCG in 2014 as a Senior Surveyor, Glenn is responsible for the management and all survey deliverables on large scale land subdivisions across South East Queensland.

E: [email protected]

Jen Taylor Associate Director - Planning

Jen Taylor has more than 17 years’ experience in town planning and development in Queensland and England. Jen has undertaken a broad spectrum of projects (including small to large scale developments) and has worked with a range of clients such as Local and State governments, private sector, and not for profit organisations.

Jen has extensive experience in the:

- preparation and management of development applications and Ministerial Infrastructure Designations

- provision of town planning advice (including due diligence work, feasibility studies, and highest and best use reports)

- preparation of submissions on various planning document and development applications

- preparation of review of planning scheme and policies

- preparation of Retail Impact Assessments

- preparation of town planning expert reports and documents on matters in the Planning and Environment Court, Land Court, and Supreme Court

Jen has extensive experience and skills in interpreting and applying planning schemes and legislation, and excellent communication and project management skills,

Jen is passionate about achieving high standards of work and excellent results for her clients.

Jess Crane Senior Strategic Planner

Jess is a highly experienced Strategic Planner with over 10 years of experience. Her expertise spans a range of areas including strategic planning, planning scheme drafting, planning process improvements and community engagement.

Jess has been actively involved in leading and managing planning scheme reviews and amendments, with a particular focus on neighbourhood plans and infrastructure planning. Her work reflects a strong commitment to creating thriving, inclusive, and sustainable communities.

Jess has played a pivotal role in facilitating community engagement for neighbourhood plans, such as the Morayfield Neighbourhood Plan and Bridgeman Downs Neighbourhood Plan. She understands the importance of involving the community in the planning process and has facilitated Community Planning Team workshops to gather input and insights from residents. By fostering collaboration and co-creation, she creates a sense of ownership and shared responsibility among the community, enabling them to actively participate in shaping their neighbourhoods.

Joel Fielding Associate Director - Planning

Joel joined WCG in 2014 as a Senior Planner. Prior to this, Joel worked for the North Lakes Development Team within the Development Services Department at Moreton Bay Regional Council. Through his experience in Local Government, Joel has developed a thorough understanding of Queensland’s planning legislation as well as how unique planning frameworks like North Lakes operate. In his current role, Joel is responsible for the management and delivery of large scale land subdivisions, residential unit developments and commercial development projects.

E: [email protected]

Liam Wolter Senior Project Coordinator

Liam is an accomplished Senior Project Coordinator with almost 15 years of experience in the development industry. With a background in planning and property development, Liam brings a wealth of expertise to every project he undertakes.

Liam has successfully delivered his own private residential developments, which showcase his firsthand experience, unique perspective and deep understanding of the intricacies involved in property development.

His expertise shines through with his ability to demonstrate how potentially inconsistent construction outcomes can be agreed to as compliant within the framework of development approval conditions and the Planning Scheme Performance Outcomes. Liam's meticulous approach ensures that any issues are identified as early as possible, and projects maintain DA compliance where construction outcomes may have varied plans to meet other legislative outcomes (i.e. QFES Fire Servicing, BCA, Electricity Safety Regulation).

Affiliated with the Planning Institute of Australia and UDIA (Urban Development Institute of Australia), Liam stays connected to the industry's latest trends and developments. Attending industry events and forums, he continuously enhances his knowledge and expertise to deliver the best outcomes for clients.

Liam's approach to development centres around achieving compliance outcomes at the earliest possible moment. He focuses on effectively conveying compliance requirements to stakeholders, ensuring clarity and understanding throughout the project lifecycle.

Louise Macpherson Associate - Planning

Louise has over seven years of experience in private consultancy which has allowed her to gain a strong technical understanding, with skills to develop project strategies and provide reliable advice.

Louise has worked on a variety of different projects across Queensland from inception through to post approval including commercial, retail, mixed-use and residential projects. She is experienced in due diligence investigations, application and project management and can work collaboratively in multi-disciplinary teams.

Louise strives to understand clients’ needs, provide targeted advice and facilitate outcomes.

E: [email protected] 

Libby Hogarth Senior Planner

Libby is a planner with over 5 years of experience working in multi-disciplinary teams in private consulting. Libby has a strong understanding of the Queensland planning system and demonstrated capabilities in due diligence and highest and best use advice, preparing and managing development applications and managing multi-disciplinary teams.

Libby has been involved in diverse projects from inception through to completion across Queensland including residential subdivisions, education, industrial and small-scale to high density residential developments. This has provided her with the skills and experience to deliver high quality, tailored and commercially minded outcomes, establishing herself as a trusted advisor to her clients.

Marnie Wood Senior Planner

Marnie has 4+ years post-graduate experience, having joined Wolter Consulting Group in August 2016 while completing her Regional and Town Planning studies. Since this time, Marnie has embedded herself strongly within the company values and culture and continues to build strong relationships with our clients.

Marnie has worked on an array of residential developments and subdivisions, as well as a range of commercial and industrial projects.

Throughout her career to date, Marnie has developed a strong understanding of both state and local planning instruments across Queensland, including the Planning Act 2016 and various local government planning schemes.

E: [email protected]

Nick McKelvey 3D Spatial Specialist

Nick has 15 years’ experience in the survey industry and has worked across a broad range of industries including development, infrastructure, construction,  sometimes in remote regions under extremely challenging conditions. Over the last 10 years he has focused on 3D spatial technologies, specialising in laser scanning and point clouds, but also developed a strong understanding of UAVs, LiDAR, and subsurface mapping. This focus has seen him gain knowledge and experience across the spatial industry but also into less conventional industries such as manufacturing, cultural heritage, visualisation and special effects.

Nick has joined the team at Wolter Consulting Group to expand and develop the offerings of the team and assist clients achieve the best possible project outcomes.

E: [email protected]

Penny Spiers Director of Landscape Architecture

Penny is a Registered Landscape Architect with over 20 years’ experience leading complex projects for both public and private sector clients. Her knowledge and creativity combined with an attention to detail, excellent communication and collaboration skills, means she can operate across all project phases from strategic design, master planning and conceptual design, to detailed design, contract documentation, technical specifications and construction services.

Her breadth of experience extends from parks and open spaces, urban and commercial centres, residential subdivisions, schools and educational facilities, health and aged care, sport and recreation facilities, playgrounds and play spaces, environmental and rehabilitation areas. She has produced a number of place making strategies and led a range of community and stakeholder consultation activities.

E: [email protected]

Ryan Maclellan Director of Project Delivery

Ryan MacLellan is an accomplished professional with nearly 20 years of local and international experience in town planning and project management, both in the public and private sectors. As the Director of Project Delivery at Wolter Consulting Group (WCG), Ryan plays a pivotal role in overseeing and successfully executing a diverse range of projects.

With a solid background in town planning, Ryan's expertise extends to project management and development advisory, enabling him to effectively navigate the complex landscape of large-scale mixed-use residential unit developments, commercial projects, and government and strategic planning initiatives. His comprehensive knowledge and skill set make him a trusted advisor in all aspects of the development process, from initial planning and approvals to post-approval construction and delivery services.

Prior to joining WCG, Ryan spent a decade in Local Government Town Planner, where he gained invaluable experience in the Assessment and Appeals Team. This experience honed his skills in dealing with a wide range of development forms and provided him with a deep understanding of the regulatory framework. With degrees in Urban and Regional Planning and Project Management, Ryan seamlessly combines his knowledge of planning principles with efficient project management strategies.

Ryan's extensive experience sets him apart as an asset to any project. His keen attention to detail, strategic thinking, and ability to navigate challenges make him a trusted advisor and a reliable partner for clients seeking expert guidance in their development ventures.

Sarah Machin Senior Planner

Sarah joined Wolter Consulting Group in January 2022 as a Senior Planner. Throughout her career to date, Sarah has worked as a town planner, contributing to development projects of varying scales including childcare centres, multiple dwellings and greenfield subdivision. Sarah has developed a strong interest and understanding of strategic planning in planning projects including preparation of development codes, planning scheme amendments and submissions and master planning. When working on projects, Sarah regularly provides strategic solutions to ensure client and Council needs are achieved. Sarah has developed a strong understanding of both state and local planning instruments and requirements across Queensland, including the Planning Act 2016, various local government planning schemes and the Local Government (Robina Central Planning Agreement) Act 1992. 

E: [email protected]

Stephen Hayes Director of Environment

Stephen has been working in the South East Queensland region for over 19 years in the Environmental field. He has superior knowledge of the South East Queensland region, and has established relationships with key local stakeholders. His project experience is widespread throughout NSW, NT and QLD. 

His career has also had significant focus on the development industry as an environmental consultant and has over 15 years direct involvement in the development industry preparing and delivering assessments of varying types for clients and being responsible for obtaining a variety of development approvals and permits under local, state and commonwealth legislation. This experience has provided Stephen with thorough knowledge of the development application process from small to large scale projects.

Supporting his in-depth knowledge of ecological processes, Stephen is also a widely experienced Bushfire Analyst Consultant having undertaken numerous Bushfire hazard investigations for development assessment purposes, strategic planning for government and provision of expert witness advice for Court matters. This blend of disciplines provides a unique perspective for clients enabling effective development design analysing ecology and bushfire related issues hand in hand. 

E: [email protected]

Toby Heap Senior Planner

Toby joined Wolter Consulting Group in January 2021 with over ten years of professional town planning experience, having worked within the private sector for a number of consultancies in the South East Queensland region.

Before joining WCG, Toby was a Planner in another multidisciplinary development consultancy and was responsible for the preparation, lodgement and management of a variety of development projects, ranging from small residential houses to large scale industrial developments, residential estates and multi-story residential complexes.

Through his experience in Private consultancy Toby has developed a thorough understanding of Queensland planning legislation, including the various iterations of the Planning Act and Policies and the associated Development Assessment Systems. As part of the planning team at WCG, Toby contributes to all aspects of development applications for varying scales of development, comprising residential unit developments, land subdivisions, commercial and industrial developments from concept to construction.

Waimana Kingi Director of Project Delivery

Waimana Kingi is the Director of Project Delivery at Wolter Consulting Group. He began his journey as a student town planner undertaking work experience within the company, and has since demonstrated remarkable growth, rising to the position of Director within 10 years.

Throughout his tenure, Waimana has proven himself as a visionary leader with a deep understanding of the development industry. His expertise in compliance, plan sealing, and project management has been instrumental in delivering successful projects, while driving the company forward and establishing a specialist development compliance management division.

Waimana's extensive experience and expertise have positioned him as a trusted industry expert. He is sought after as a speaker at industry events, sharing his insights on compliance and plan sealing. Moreover, he serves as an industry advisor to local councils, providing guidance on the application and delivery of development approvals and correlations with other legislative requirements within the development and construction industry.

As the Director of Project Delivery, Waimana continues to make a significant impact, combining his deep industry knowledge, leadership abilities, and mentorship skills to lead the team to new heights of excellence.

Yvonne Taylor Associate - Project Delivery

Yvonne is an Associate in the Project Delivery Division at Wolter Consulting Group. With over 30 years of experience in Council and the private sector, Yvonne specialises in all forms of plan sealing, from small and large-scale subdivisions and multiple staged townhouse development forms; to warehouse and aged care development compliance.

Yvonne's expertise stems from her extensive background as a Council Plan Sealing Officer before transitioning into private consultancy. Known for her exceptional communication skills, drive for results, and attention to detail, she excels in assessing and coordinating development approval compliance for expedited plan sealing outcomes.

Yvonne is also WCG’s E-Titles Lodgement expert, and has been registered since 2019. Yvonne is an excellent communicator with a diverse skill set in managing pre-start meetings, audit inspections, uncompleted works, maintenance bond applications, infrastructure offsets, and infrastructure charge payments.

Yvonne's leadership abilities, teamwork skills, and thorough approach make her a trusted collaborator and mentor. Her meticulous nature ensures the seamless execution of projects, consistently exceeding client expectations.

Matthew Khoo Associate - Planning

Matthew joined Wolter Consulting Group (WCG) as an Associate (Planner) in 2023, after being proactive within the development industry for the past 13+ years. Matthew has extensive experience within both the public and private sectors of town planning and beyond this, Matthew successfully operated his own Planning Business for 5+ years. Throughout Matthew's career, he has acquired a vast understanding of all relevant legislations and has been able to deliver practical and feasible results for al clientele. Matthew has worked on all facets of town planning, including large-scale major projects including all forms of residential, commercial, and industrial projects. 

Recently, Matthew has added development management to his skill set, working with a large privatised development company. Matthew has been involved in every aspect of the development cycle, ranging from site acquisition, due diligence, town planning, civil construction, all the way through to the delivery of formalised titles.

Matthew has always prioritised his professional relationships with clients, internal and external stakeholders, and specialist consultants. Matthew's collaborative approach to managing a project will always ensure a commercially feasible outcome for the clients.