Tim Carter

Director for Marine Ecology and Offshore Approvals at Energise Renewables, Tim Carter is a marine scientist and environmental impact assessment practitioner specialising in coastal and marine development sectors, with a strong background in assessing offshore energy projects.

Tim worked for Australia’s offshore energy regulator (NOPSEMA) for over a decade and held several roles including Environment Manager (decision maker) for the Offshore Projects and Seismic Team and Environment Specialist during which he worked extensively on implementing EPBC Act streamlined arrangements. Prior to working at NOPSEMA Tim held roles in the WA State government working as a Coastal Planner and as an environmental consultant designing and implementing marine baseline surveys and undertaking environmental impact assessments for coastal port developments and offshore petroleum activities. In recent years, Tim’s experience has expanded to offshore renewables by preparing and reviewing technical advice to DCCEEW to inform decisions on Environmental Impact Statements for offshore windfarms and assisting licence holders with the design and implementation of marine baseline surveys and preparation of environmental impact assessment chapters.  

With extensive experience as a regulator and consultant for the offshore industry, Tim is able navigate complex approvals processes, quickly identify the key challenges for a project and develop effective strategies to address them. 

Tim contributes the following experience and skills to Energise Renewables: 

• 11 years of experience regulating the offshore energy sector including assessment, inspection, enforcement, investigation and decision making. 

• 7 years working as an environmental consultant assisting marine development companies navigate complex marine environmental management issues.  

• Comprehensive understanding of commercial fisheries and strategies to manage interactions with offshore energy activities  

• Technical skills in underwater noise EIA and management, particularly for marine mammals and commercially important fish and invertebrates 

• Development of offshore approvals strategies and strategic approvals advice. 

• Preparation of management plans under the OEI Act for offshore renewables projects, including strategies for effective stakeholder consultation.   

• Design and management of marine baseline surveys and environmental assessments to meet EPBC Act requirements for complex offshore energy projects, including offshore windfarms.  

• Strong understanding of offshore wind turbine foundation design and ability to prepare defensible alternatives assessments