Q&A provides an interesting insight to our Associates who are working in their own business sometimes after many years of permanent employment. This is Alison’s story:
Associate Alison Blacket joined CT Management Group in 2019 and is a Planning and Development Senior Manager.
We value your contribution to CT Management Group; what drew you to becoming a consultant?
I love being able to move across various client bases and to quickly understand what they need. I am driven by being able to make a difference and deliver outcomes to the clients we service. As consultants we have the ability to be flexible and innovative, more so than if we were employees.
To be a consultant allows me to establish an independent position so that critical reviews and practice within an organisation can be developed. I think that its really about the ‘fresh set of eyes’ which then seeds the progression of projects which will ultimately positively influence an organisation.
What is your specialist area, and why are you interested in that field?
I’m an urban planner with a specialised area in understanding the systems of governance within statutory authorities. This can encompass local planning schemes to the federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 2009. It’s important for local government and government entities to know and be empowered by these pathways rather than unnecessarily limiting their programs and visions
What has been your career highlight to date?
Most recently, being able to provide ongoing critical advice to Hepburn Shire Council as they fully review and amend their planning scheme: something that they haven’t done for 20 years. The review and amendment will ensure their agenda for fulfilling sustainable environments, heritage and liveable townships can be fulfilled and that their valuable relationships with state government agencies and departments will continue to grow.
What was the last thing you read – was it a report, novel or newspaper?
In ‘Covid’ times I’ve been doing a fair bit of reading. I just recently read David Pollock’s account of his life on Wooleen Station in the rangelands in western Australia. Its called ‘The Wooleen Way’ and its about the consequences of historic grazing practice and exploring how to improve land management in a remote and fragile part of the country for the benefit of biodiversity.
How to you relax – is it music, meditation or something else?
I relax by exercising: I do ocean swimming and running. I also paint.
When you are away from work, what do you like doing most?
In lock down I am never very far away from work! However, before that I am usually at the beach with my daughters or watching them play soccer. We also have a very energetic dalmatian dog who needs a lot of exercise.
Are you a sportsman or a spectator, and what’s the sport?
I am both! I do like watching my daughters play soccer but over summer I am always in those ocean swims such as the Pier to Pub. I also play tennis and love hiking.
Is there anything you’d like to tell us about yourself that you think would surprise us?
I make an excellent sponge cake with raspberries and passionfruit, my lemon tart is pretty good but it’s those scones somehow, the most basic of cakes, that are yet to be conquered.
In a world with so many leaders and achievers – is there one person that gives you inspiration, why?
You may know about the story of ‘Big Boss’ or Baymarrwangga from the Crocodile Islands in Arnhem Land. National awareness of her contribution as an Aboriginal elder emerged in 2012 when she was awarded Senior Australian of the year as a 95 year old. The award was for her life’s work in the inter-generational transmission of her ancestral language and sustainable land practices.