Advancing Environmental Remediation and Waste Management in Northern Australia: Tellus’ Contribution to a Sustainable Future
Tracks
Plenary 2
| Wednesday, July 23, 2025 |
| 4:05 PM - 4:25 PM |
| Plenary Two |
Overview
Jade Ritchie, Tellus
Speaker
Jade Ritchie
General Manager, Business Development
Tellus
Advancing Environmental Remediation and Waste Management in Northern Australia: Tellus’ Contribution to a Sustainable Future
Presentation Overview
Tellus is at the forefront of environmental remediation and hazardous waste management in Northern Australia, providing innovative solutions to some of the region’s most pressing challenges. This presentation will cover two critical initiatives that exemplify Tellus’ commitment to enhancing environmental sustainability and supporting economic development in the region.
Firstly, we will highlight Tellus’ partnership with NTEX to clean up hazardous materials in the Northern Territory, focusing on our work to remediate contaminated land in the Darwin region. This project, which involved the safe removal and disposal of highly contaminated soils, including PFAS, asbestos and pesticide residues, showcases Tellus’ ability to handle complex environmental challenges. We will discuss the logistics of managing these hazardous materials, the importance of harmonizing environmental legislation across Australia, and the vital role that sustainable remediation practices play in creating safer communities in the Northern Territory.
Secondly, we will provide an update on the Chandler project, Tellus’ vision for the world’s first multinational deep geological repository in Central Australia. This facility, located 120km south of Alice Springs, promises to revolutionise the permanent and safe disposal of hazardous chemical and low-level radioactive waste—not just for Australia but for the Asia Pacific region. After a strategic review conducted with Amentum, we will share insights into the technical feasibility, environmental impact, and community engagement efforts surrounding the project. We will also discuss how the Chandler facility aligns with Tellus’ commitment to long-term environmental stewardship and how it will create sustainable economic opportunities for the Northern Territory.
Through these projects, Tellus is not only addressing critical environmental issues but is also positioning Northern Australia as a leader in sustainable waste management and remediation. The Chandler project, in particular, promises to bring long-term benefits, including job creation and contributions to Australia’s transition to a green economy.
Firstly, we will highlight Tellus’ partnership with NTEX to clean up hazardous materials in the Northern Territory, focusing on our work to remediate contaminated land in the Darwin region. This project, which involved the safe removal and disposal of highly contaminated soils, including PFAS, asbestos and pesticide residues, showcases Tellus’ ability to handle complex environmental challenges. We will discuss the logistics of managing these hazardous materials, the importance of harmonizing environmental legislation across Australia, and the vital role that sustainable remediation practices play in creating safer communities in the Northern Territory.
Secondly, we will provide an update on the Chandler project, Tellus’ vision for the world’s first multinational deep geological repository in Central Australia. This facility, located 120km south of Alice Springs, promises to revolutionise the permanent and safe disposal of hazardous chemical and low-level radioactive waste—not just for Australia but for the Asia Pacific region. After a strategic review conducted with Amentum, we will share insights into the technical feasibility, environmental impact, and community engagement efforts surrounding the project. We will also discuss how the Chandler facility aligns with Tellus’ commitment to long-term environmental stewardship and how it will create sustainable economic opportunities for the Northern Territory.
Through these projects, Tellus is not only addressing critical environmental issues but is also positioning Northern Australia as a leader in sustainable waste management and remediation. The Chandler project, in particular, promises to bring long-term benefits, including job creation and contributions to Australia’s transition to a green economy.
Biography
Jade Ritchie a Gooreng Gooreng woman, living on Larrakia Country, is the General Manager of Business Development at Tellus, a leading Australian sustainability company delivering innovative, end-to-end solutions for managing hazardous materials. Prior to joining Tellus, Jade had a 20-year career in the public service, and brings deep expertise in economic development, major projects, and stakeholder engagement across both state and federal governments, particularly in the Northern Territory.
Her work is grounded in a strong commitment to Aboriginal leadership and culturally led land and sea country management. Jade is a former member of the CSIRO Indigenous Innovation Alliance and the North Australia Marine Parks Advisory Committee, and she continues to advocate for sustainable development through her role on the First Nations Bailai, Gurang, Gooreng Gooreng, Taribelang Bunda People Development Corporation Board. Jade is also on the Indigenous Literacy Foundation Board.
Jade’s presentation, Advancing Environmental Remediation and Waste Management in Northern Australia: Tellus’ Contribution to a Sustainable Future, explores the intersection of economic development, environmental responsibility, and Indigenous leadership—offering practical insights into building a cleaner, more inclusive green economy for Northern Australia.
