Name
Julia Curran
Job title
Assocaite Environmental Scientist
Organisation
CDM Smith
Speaker biography
Julia Curran is a senior environmental professional with over 18 years of experience delivering environmental impact assessment, approvals, and strategic advisory services across the mining, energy, and infrastructure sectors. She has extensive experience supporting proponents through complex statutory approvals processes and navigating regulatory frameworks across multiple jurisdictions to inform critical project and investment decisions.
Julia specialises in integrating multi‑disciplinary environmental studies into clear, robust, and defensible impact and risk assessments. Her work focuses on translating complex technical information into practical, decision‑ready outcomes that support regulatory compliance while enabling efficient project delivery.
She has led and managed environmental assessments and approvals for large and mid‑tier mining and energy operations, including the preparation of environmental impact assessment documentation, approvals applications, and ongoing compliance reporting. Julia works closely with regulators, technical specialists, and project teams to define approvals pathways, manage environmental risk, and ensure commitments are effectively implemented.
In addition to project delivery, Julia has conducted internal compliance audits and provided strategic environmental advice to support the implementation of legislative and policy requirements for environmental protection. She is recognised for her practical, solutions‑focused approach and her ability to provide clear technical leadership on complex projects.
Julia’s core strengths lie in the preparation, coordination, technical review, and delivery of environmental impact assessments and environmental management plans that stand up to regulatory scrutiny and support successful project outcomes.
Julia specialises in integrating multi‑disciplinary environmental studies into clear, robust, and defensible impact and risk assessments. Her work focuses on translating complex technical information into practical, decision‑ready outcomes that support regulatory compliance while enabling efficient project delivery.
She has led and managed environmental assessments and approvals for large and mid‑tier mining and energy operations, including the preparation of environmental impact assessment documentation, approvals applications, and ongoing compliance reporting. Julia works closely with regulators, technical specialists, and project teams to define approvals pathways, manage environmental risk, and ensure commitments are effectively implemented.
In addition to project delivery, Julia has conducted internal compliance audits and provided strategic environmental advice to support the implementation of legislative and policy requirements for environmental protection. She is recognised for her practical, solutions‑focused approach and her ability to provide clear technical leadership on complex projects.
Julia’s core strengths lie in the preparation, coordination, technical review, and delivery of environmental impact assessments and environmental management plans that stand up to regulatory scrutiny and support successful project outcomes.
Speaking At
Presentation title
Engineering projects for positive outcomes and approvals
Presentation summary
The environmental assessment process can be complex and time-consuming. Regulators often require early clarity on design requirements, yet these can evolve throughout a project due to process improvements or changes in product scope. Projects may also face unexpected challenges driven by internal dynamics or external pressures. Navigating the balance between societal benefits, environmental protection, and economic viability is rarely straightforward. Visualizing potential risks and collaboratively agreeing on avoidance and mitigation strategies can streamline this process. A clear picture can communicate intent more effectively than lengthy documentation. By identifying constraints and opportunities early, teams can reduce environmental impacts, improve the likelihood of timely approvals, and foster community and stakeholder support. This approach also strengthens ESG commitments—demonstrating to management, boards, shareholders, and the public that environmental responsibility is embedded in project planning and execution.
