About 4 Elements Consulting

Mellissa is a Principal Ecologist and Managing Director of 4 Elements Consulting. She is an environmental and project management professional with 28 years’ field experience which includes expertise in wildlife research including Environmental Impact Assessment (EIS) and ecological monitoring; project management, training and facilitation.

She has positively contributed to the private and public sector and has managed a broad range of complex, multifaceted projects including the renewable energy, mining, agriculture and research sectors. This includes leading multidisciplinary teams in challenging and remote locations. Currently, this project extends from the Northern Territory to Queensland, Torres Strait and PNG.

In her role Mellissa liaises extensively with researchers, government agencies, industry sectors and communities, and has developed strong relationships with regulatory authorities and management groups across the country.

Mellissa is continuously working to improve survey techniques and works with partner organisations to ensure that the best practice outcome can be achieved using the newest available solution science.

Backed by Nature, Certified by Industry

Certified Environmental Practitioner (CEnvP) Scheme

Ecology Specialist

Enviro Development Professional

A Foundation in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Competence

Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry (QLD White Card)

WETMA Scientific Advisory Committee

Ryan is an Ecologist with 12 years’ experience undertaking both flora and fauna assessments across a wide range of bioregions throughout QLD, NSW and the NT. Ryan currently works on four (4) major infrastructure projects within the renewable energy sector. Additional project experience includes major linear infrastructure, mining, and local and state government community development projects. Ryan has a particular focus on plant identification, vegetation mapping and rare plant cultivation.

Ryan is deemed a suitably qualified person by the Qld Department of Environment and Science and regularly performs as project lead in Protected Plant Surveys across Queensland. Ryan has worked on a wide range of projects delivering approval outcomes to clients and has applied his experience in rare plant propagation and translocation to facilitate approvals via project site threatened flora management. He has extensive experience with providing regional ecosystem verification and mapping, and rehabilitation and Bio Condition monitoring.

Ryan’s other strengths include project management, and EVNT species management, with a particular focus on both flora and fauna surveys. His knowledge of vegetation and landscape patterns informs a focused and efficient approach to all survey work resulting in balanced and pragmatic outcomes for the projects that he undertakes.

Backed by Nature, Certified by Industry

A Foundation in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Competence

Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry (QLD White Card)

Rainforest Plant Identification Course

Suitably Qualified Botanist (PPS)

Jade is an ecologist and project manager who has worked widely across Queensland for the past 10 years. In addition to his primary role at 4 Elements as a consultant ecologist, he provides technical support as an environmental officer and a geographical information systems (GIS) analyst and cartographer. Jade draws on experience gained from a diverse range of projects including large scale renewable and linear infrastructure projects and mining operations to smaller scale surveys seeking local and state government approvals. Jade’s expertise extends to water quality and environmental monitoring, as well pest management and wildlife tracking across northern Australia. Jade operates Drones for 4 Elements and holds a commercial remote pilot’s licence under CASA .

Jade’s strengths include a capacity to work in remote areas for extended periods, and a high-level knowledge of remote workplace health and safety procedures. He is an experienced communicator, liaising on site and remotely with clients, community stakeholders, traditional owners, government, and non-for-profit organisations.

Backed by Nature, Certified by Industry

A Foundation in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Competence

Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry (QLD White Card)

Patrick is an ecologist with over 10 years’ experience working throughout Australia. He has worked as an academic, a university teaching associate, and an environmental consultant, allowing him to develop a broad skill set across a range of disciplines. Patrick’s focus is threatened fauna, and he has conducted threatened fauna surveys in every Australian state. He has experience working with a range of taxa including mammals, birds, reptiles, frogs, fish and aquatic invertebrates, and he has designed and implemented field studies investigating several iconic Australian species.

For the past 4 years, Patrick has worked extensively across north Queensland and the Northern Territory, with a focus on large scale renewable and mining projects. He has experience working at all levels of government, with particular emphasis on the EPBC approval process.

Backed by Nature, Certified by Industry

Advanced Open Water Diver

Victorian boat training

Chainsaw Use – trim and cross-cut felled trees

4WD Training (FWPCOT3325, RIIVEH201D, RIIVEH305E)

HLTAID009 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
HLTAID011 Provide First Aid

Professional Certificate of University Leadership

Graduate Certificate of Project Management

A Foundation in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Competence

Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry (QLD White Card)

Course in Reptile and Venomous Snake Handling (22500VIC)

Vilda has extensive experience conducting fauna and flora surveys across Queensland and the Northern Territory. She has contributed to several large renewable energy projects, focusing on monitoring and impact assessments for diverse fauna species. Vilda is proficient in GIS mapping and statistical analyses using R software, and she is skilled in using software and tools commonly applied in systematic conservation planning and wildlife management.

She has a particular interest in integrating science-based conservation practices into the resource industry and exploring innovative methods like conservation dogs for data collection and management. Additionally, Vilda has volunteered extensively across Far North Queensland, participating in diverse fauna surveys covering a wide range of species, habitats, and methodologies.

Backed by Nature, Certified by Industry

4WD Training (FWPCOT3325, RIIVEH201D, RIIVEH305E)

Advanced Open Water Diver

Positive Notice Blue Card

HLTAID009 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
HLTAID011 Provide First Aid

A Foundation in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Competence

Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry (QLD White Card)

Jack Hawkins is an ecologist who graduated with distinction from James Cook University in 2022 and has since focused on environmental management within the World Heritage Wet Tropics of Far North Queensland, and more recently, the Northern Territory. Jack’s early career was based within state department biosecurity regulation where he built knowledge on environmental policy and its implementation within the broader community.

Using this experience, alongside his personal interest in native fauna and flora, Jack now works closely with senior ecologists conducting threatened fauna surveys for broadscale renewable energy, mining and infrastructure projects. In recent times, he is focusing on keeping up to date with advances in fauna surveillance techniques and government standards, while aspiring to increase efficiency and accuracy of data collection, utilising the latest GIS software to bring a high quality and reliability to his work.

Backed by Nature, Certified by Industry

Bat Detection Course

Snake Handler

A Foundation in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Competence

Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry (QLD White Card)

Jasmine is an ecologist with five years’ experience conducting fauna and flora surveys across Queensland and Victoria and Northern Territory.  As well as general fauna surveys, Jasmine has collected targeted survey data as part of long-term population monitoring of several iconic, federally listed species. Her roles encompass both desktop and field-based flora and fauna assessments, as well as analysis of a range of data using R and software for bioacoustics analysis.

Jasmine’s interests lie in collaborating with industry, government, and community stakeholders, using science-informed best practice to support species management outcomes. Through her work in fauna translocation for a range of infrastructure development projects, natural disaster recovery and volunteer wildlife rehabilitation, Jasmine has attained white card and WSAH qualifications, permits for fauna spotter catcher activities, as well as qualifications in reptile and venomous snake handling.

Backed by Nature, Certified by Industry

4WD Training (FWPCOT3325, RIIVEH201D, RIIVEH305E)

Rainforest Plant Indentification Course (Introductory)

Positive Notice Blue Card

Rail Industry Worker (RIW) card

A Foundation in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Competence

Bat Detection Course

Snake Handler

Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry (QLD White Card)

Course in Reptile and Venomous Snake Handling (22500VIC)

• Work Safely at Heights (RIIWHS204E)

Jack is an experienced environmental scientist and consulting ecologist based in Cairns, Queensland. With a Master of Science in Earth and Environmental Science from James Cook University and an Honours degree in Plant Science and Ecology from Monash University, Jack brings a diverse skill set in environmental monitoring, ecological assessments, and hydrology. He has extensive field experience across tropical and temperate ecosystems in Australia, working on large-scale infrastructure and resource projects. His expertise includes flora and fauna surveys, environmental compliance, water quality monitoring, and the application of advanced GIS and remote sensing technologies.

Throughout his career, Jack has collaborated with various stakeholders, including government agencies, private clients, and community organizations, to deliver practical solutions for biodiversity management and environmental sustainability. His recent work includes managing environmental compliance for road recovery projects and conducting targeted ecological surveys to support environmental impact assessments. Jack’s passion for the natural environment is reflected through his research on soil carbon sequestration and his published work on native Australian crop wild progenitors. He is committed to applying science-driven approaches to support positive environmental outcomes.

Backed by Nature, Certified by Industry

A Foundation in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Competence

Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry (QLD White Card)

As Operations Manager at 4 Elements Consulting, Mardy oversees the company’s field operations, along with our vehicle and equipment maintenance. With over 20 years of experience managing operations across environmental, construction and remote field projects, Mardy ensures our teams are well-supported and resourced to deliver efficient, safe and compliant fieldwork.

Prior to joining 4 Elements, Mardy had previously owned and operated businesses in construction and automobile wrecking. His strong mechanical aptitude and proactive approach to maintenance scheduling have helped streamline our field operations.

Mardy is passionate about creating safe and efficient working environments for field staff. He is known for his helpful nature and strong problem-solving skills, ensuring each project runs smoothly from planning through to completion. Outside of work, Mardy enjoys doing up old cars and chilling with his friends and family.

Backed by Nature, Certified by Industry

A Foundation in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Competence

Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry (QLD White Card)

Dr Mark Nadir Runkovski is an ecologist, botanist and project manager who has worked both in academia and in industry for 15 years. In addition to his project management role at 4 Elements, he provides technical support for field teams, undertakes ecological and botanical surveys including BioCondition and Protected Plant Surveys (PPS) in Queensland, conducts GIS analyses, engages with community and helps run the company’s online presence. Mark has completed a PhD and BSc (Hons) in ecology and has a strong focus on conservation. He has extensive knowledge of global conservation priorities, and the interpersonal, managerial, and technical skills to make them happen. This comes from a range of experiences gained from international research work, consulting within the Queensland public and private development sector, NGO and voluntary conservation contributions and personal education campaigns like the Back from the Brink and ecoxplore projects. Mark is also a registered Queensland Blue Card holder, accredited expert under the Accounting for Nature framework, and approved adviser for the Queensland Government Land Restoration Fund. Mark’s main strengths include original research design and management, data collection techniques and analyses, botanical identification and fieldwork, development applications and local/state government referral, community engagement, and long-term monitoring.

Backed by Nature, Certified by Industry

First Aid Certified (HLTAID009, HLTAID010, HLTAID011)

4WD Training (FWPCOT3325, RIIVEH201D, RIIVEH305E)

Rainforest Plant Indentification Course (Introductory)

Introduction to BioCondition Assessment (Version 2.2)

Positive Notice Blue Card

Advanced Open Water Diver

Land Restoration Fund – Approved Adviser

Accredited Expert

A Foundation in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Competence

UDIA EnviroDevelopment Professional

Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry (QLD White Card)

Susie is an Ecologist with over 10 years’ experience in Queensland conducting field-based research including targeted, baseline, and comprehensive fauna surveys. In addition, she has also co-developed and implemented long-term monitoring and research programs for some of the states most threatened species. Susie is interested in the positive impacts science-based management and conservation practices can make in the resource industry and is passionate about achieving successful implementation of these. She has technical expertise in fauna identification, GIS mapping, and spatial analysis, with an interest in environmental policy, climate change adaptation, human psychology and sustainability. Susie has been employed by the University of Queensland to teach animal biology, wildlife survey methods and ecological principles to undergraduate students and was engaged to train indigenous rangers in Cape York in fauna identification and survey techniques.

Along with her extensive professional experience, Susie has participated as a volunteer fauna ecologist on numerous fauna surveys encompassing a broad range of species, habitats, and methodologies throughout Australia.

Backed by Nature, Certified by Industry

4WD Training (FWPCOT3325, RIIVEH201D, RIIVEH305E)

Using Animals in Science

Introduction to BioCondition Assessment (Version 2.2)

Accredited Expert

Mental Health First Aid

A Foundation in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Competence

Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry (QLD White Card)

• HLTAID013 Provide First Aid in Remote or Isolated Site
• HLTAID009 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
• LHLTAID010 Provide Basic Emergency Life Support
• HLTAID011 Provide First Aid
• RIICOM301D Communicate Information
• RIIRIS301D Apply Risk Management
• RIIWHS301D Conduct Safety and Health Investigations
• AHCMOM216 Operate Side by Side Utility Vehicles
• ArcGIS Desktop Customised Training
• Basic Elapid Handling
• Remote Pilots Licence (RePL)

Jessica is a passionate Ecologist and Knowledge Broker with experience conducting comprehensive flora and fauna surveys across Queensland. She has contributed to a range of large-scale renewable energy projects, playing a key role in BioCondition assessments, targeted species surveys, and bird and bat utilisation studies.

In addition to her fieldwork, Jessica focuses on enhancing the company’s marketing efforts by creating engaging content for the website and social media that highlights the team’s expertise.

Jessica is proficient in ecological data collection and analysis using tools like R and has strong writing skills for professional environments. With a keen interest in science communication, Jessica is dedicated to making complex ecological research accessible to the public. She strives to raise awareness of biodiversity and climate change conservation efforts through clear and impactful messaging.

In addition to her consulting experience, Jessica has interned with ABC Radio National and Nine News in Brisbane, further developing her communication skills.

Backed by Nature, Certified by Industry

4WD Training (FWPCOT3325, RIIVEH201D, RIIVEH305E)

Rainforest Plant Indentification Course (Introductory)

Positive Notice Blue Card

A Foundation in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Competence

Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry (QLD White Card)

John is an environmental scientist who has worked throughout far north Queensland for the past 4 years in conservation, field ecology, land management and ecological reporting. With a BSc in Environmental Science (Honours) from the University of Queensland in Brisbane, John has expertise in GIS mapping and reporting, as well as practical skills in on-ground weed and pest management. With strong ties to the Mareeba area, he has a keen interest in the support of expanding local industries with environmental sustainability as an upmost priority. In addition to his work as an environmental consultant, conservation officer, fauna-spotter and ecologist, John has experience within the agricultural sector in a number of roles and projects.

Backed by Nature, Certified by Industry

A Foundation in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Competence

Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry (QLD White Card)

As a qualified accountant Christine brings with her valuable skills to manage the accounts and administration functions.

Her professional journey includes various finance and support roles in the mining sector, management of her own holiday accommodation business, and providing bookkeeping services to a wide array of industries, including beauty, tourism, construction, and more.

Driven by a passion for streamlining operational workflows, Christine is dedicated to empowering the team to achieve flawless and efficient project execution

Backed by Nature, Certified by Industry

A Foundation in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Competence

Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry (QLD White Card)