Geoff Connellan

Overview

Geoff has 30 years experience in urban horticulture water management, research and education and outreach.

He held a range of positions at the Burnley Campus, University of Melbourne, during the period of 1977 to 2007, including Senior Lecturer in Plant Science and Engineering and Principal Lecturer, 1997 to 2007. Since July 2007 he has been providing consultancy services in urban water management through G & M Connellan Consultants.

His expertise includes strategies for sustainable irrigated open space, water demand management, evaluation of water use and water technologies.

He has provided advice on:

• Numerous significant landscape sites around Australia 
• Topics such as water budgeting for irrigated sites, potential role of irrigation control technologies and best practice irrigation to water authorities and government agencies
• Expert legal advice in both urban and rural cases

Geoff has presented and published widely, both internationally and in Australia, on urban water management and irrigation topics.

He is an Honorary Fellow, School of Resource Management and Geography, University of Melbourne.

Industry Award

In May 2008 he was awarded the McLean Iedema Award in recognition for his outstanding contribution to irrigation in Australia.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Engineering (Agriculture) (B. Eng. (Ag))
• Master of Engineering Science (M.Eng. Sc.)
• Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor (CLIA)
• Accredited trainer for delivery of  the irrigation efficiency and irrigation auditor courses (IEC) presented by the Irrigation Australia Ltd (IAL)
• Accredited to deliver the Water Works program for the Nursery and Garden Industry Association (NGIA)

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Innovation

* Initiator and project manager of the SmartGardenWatering.org.au website.

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Industry Contribution

Irrigation Australia Ltd (IAL)
International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS)

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Areas of expertise

• Urban horticulture water management
• Water Management Planning
• Evaluation of performance of irrigation systems
• Turf and landscape water demand estimation and water budgeting
• Irrigation technology evaluation
• Environmental sensors including soil moisture, rain and weather stations
• Control and scheduling of irrigation systems
• Course and training program development and delivery
• Communication of water conservation strategies

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Publications

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Presentations

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