CDTLI is governed by a Management Committee elected by its members and operates according to its Constitution. This ensures transparency and accountability in all that we do.
Our core values include a commitment to stewardship for our natural environment, which aligns directly with the central principles of Landcare. We also value:
- Respect for diversity
- Passion for learning
- Focus on safety
- Willingness to lead
- Guarantee of high standards
These values guide our actions and ensure we’re working effectively towards our vision.
Recently the organisation completed the Strategic Plan which will be used to guide Landcare initiatives for the next 5 years.
AGM
CDTLI is holding its next Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Arcadian Surf Club Townsville on Saturday the 29th November 2025 at 2.30pm.
Meet the current CDTLI Team
Get to know the staff and Committee members who make Coastal Dry Tropics Landcare Inc. thrive.
Staff
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Project Officer | Jacqueline Richmond-Clay |
| Finance Officer | Leona Murray |
| Nursery Supervisor | Tonia Waqainabete |
Management Committee
President
Greg Calvert
I’m a Townsville-based botanist with a doctorate and 30 years of professional experience.
As a founding member of Landcare in Townsville, I helped establish both the Tropical Urban Production and Landcare Group (TUPALG) and the Bush Garden nursery in 1994. I also assisted with the formation of Coastal Dry Tropics Landcare Inc. (CDTLI) in 2004.
Since 1994, I’ve managed the Ross River Bush Garden site and currently assist with the management of the Goondaloo Creek site.
For over 25 years, I’ve served on the Landcare committee and have been a regular volunteer at the nursery.
Secretary
Ellen Polglase
*Bio pending
Treasurer
Margaret Winter
*Bio pending
General Member
James Monaghan
For the past 20 years, I’ve focused on building local community capacity for conservation management of Indigenous lands across North Australia. Before that, I led the GIS/Spatial Analysis program within Tropical Environment Studies and Geography at JCU.
Currently, I’m interested in:
– Cultural heritage on pastoral properties (cattle yards, wells, bores, fence posts) in North Queensland.
– Helping to establish a community cultural center in Kowanyama.
– Assisting ranger programs in northern Australia.
I love the ‘dry’ country.
General Member
Mei Akiba
Originally from Japan, I moved to Australia to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science. After graduating, I was fortunate to work at Coastal Dry Tropics Landcare Inc. (CDTLI), first as a Team Leader and then as a Project Officer for 15 months.
Currently, I work as an environmental consultant, traveling across states to conduct surveys and monitoring.
Although relatively new to this industry, I am passionate about understanding the dynamics of environmental management and deepening my knowledge of biodiversity.
General Member
Beth Ballment
A Townsville native with a degree in botany, I spent eight years as a botany tutor at the University of Queensland.
After returning to Townsville and working at the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) for 35 years, I retired in 2017 and became a regular volunteer at the nursery.
Although my work at AIMS rarely involved plants, it has been a joy to return to working with plants regularly.
General Member
Val Colquhoun
*Bio pending
General Member
Nicola Borellini
*Bio pending