Nicola Waldron
Manager, Marine and Coastal Policy and Strategy, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning
British and Australian, living in Melbourne, Australia
Nicola’s passion for the ocean and coastline led her to complete a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Marine Biology at the University of Liverpool.
Reflecting her interest in the dynamic and interconnected nature of marine and coastal environments, she then went on to obtain a Master of Applied Science in Coastal Management from the University of Sydney.
Nicola has over 20 years of experience using her multidisciplinary marine and coastal science background in a range of technical and leadership roles. She has led and shaped marine and coastal legislation, policy and strategy to advance marine and coastal planning and management, most recently leading the co-design and implementation of the State of Victoria’s first marine spatial planning framework.
Nicola enjoys working collaboratively and championing evidence-based policy, planning and management to enable the protection and sustainable use of our oceans and coasts. She currently leads a team of policymakers and is a coach to postgraduate science students. Nicola also holds a Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Management.
As a certified divemaster and keen underwater photographer, Nicola loves to share her passion and knowledge with others to build broad awareness and appreciation of our blue planet. She enjoys adventure travel and has volunteered in remote locations in the Asia-Pacific region.