Rob Thomas (scientist)

Rob Thomas is a prominent senior South Australian environmental scientist and public servant. He is currently the Chief Scientific Advisor for the Olympic Dam Task Force.[1] Thomas previously held positions of Chief of Aquatic Sciences and Sustainable Systems at the South Australian Research & Development Institute (SARDI) for nine years.[2] He became an Associate Professor with the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Adelaide in December 2008.[3] Thomas is also a non-executive director of Blue Sky Water Partners. His professional experience has included roles as an environmental consultant, environmental regulator, natural resources manager and research manager.[4]

Olympic Dam Task Force

Thomas was appointed Chief Scientific Advisor for the Olympic Dam Task Force in April 2011. This role has seen him advise the Government of South Australia on many controversial environmental components of the proposed Olympic Dam mine expansion including issues relating to a proposed desalination plant at Point Lowly, tailings storage facilities from mineral processing at Roxby Downs and groundwater extraction from the Great Artesian Basin.[2][5] Thomas defended the withholding of SARDI's Spencer Gulf hydrodynamic modelling data from the public in the weeks prior to the seawater desalination plant receiving environmental approval.[6]

Biofuels

Rob Thomas has been an active promoter of research and development in biofuels, namely biodiesel and bioethanol.[7]

Education

Thomas holds a masters degree from Brunel University in London and two bachelors degrees from the University of Adelaide.[4]

Early career

Thomas was the Manager of Marine and Environmental Studies at Kinhill Engineers for ten years prior to his entry into the public service.[2]

References

  1. ↑ "October Members Night - Prof Rob Thomas, Chief Scientific Advisor, Olympic Dam Taskforce - 16 Oct 2012". Water Industry Alliance. 2012. Retrieved 2014-09-10.
  2. 1 2 3 "Rob Thomas". LinkedIn. Retrieved 2014-09-10.
  3. ↑ "In Focus Snippets". SARDI. Government of South Australia. Retrieved 2014-09-10.
  4. 1 2 "Rob Thomas - Real Assets". BlueSky. Retrieved 2014-09-10.
  5. ↑ Martin, Sarah (2011-10-11). "A Dam minefield of major issues". The Advertiser. Retrieved 2014-09-10.
  6. ↑ Gage, Nicola (2011-10-13). "Scientist defends Spencer Gulf desal assessment". ABC. Retrieved 2014-09-10.
  7. ↑ Gibson, Candy (Summer 2006). "Fuel for thought". Lumen. University of Adelaide. Retrieved 2014-09-10.
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