Wade Oestrich is a former Deputy Director-General in Queensland’s environment department with approximately 20 years’ experience in the Queensland Public Service.
Over his career, Wade has developed expertise in organisational leadership, public policy and regulation.
Wade’s specific experience is primarily in the environment and natural resources sectors, having led several landmark reforms, including the reform of Queensland’s environmental offsets framework, development of new State Planning Instruments to protect Queensland’s environment and implementation of new, more customer-centric regulatory approaches.
Wade also has experience in ecotourism, racing, sport and recreation, as well as issues affecting Aboriginal People and Torres Strait Islander People.
Wade understands the ‘DNA’ of Government and knows how to effectively bridge the gap between the public and private sectors. He has successfully helped private sector operators navigate the ‘maze of regulation’ to successful outcomes.
Selected project experience
Commercial and integrity reforms
- Led the implementation of the Queensland Greyhound Racing Industry Commission of Inquiry which included:
- Development of a new racing integrity act,
- Design and stand up of the new Queensland Racing Integrity Commission,
- Design and implementation of the $21 million Country Racing Support Program to support non-TAB racing.
- Led development of Racing Queensland’s financial sustainability plan, Tracking Towards Sustainability, in conjunction with Racing Queensland’s Interim CEO.
- Led development of the Think Outside social media-based marketing campaign to promote visitation to Queensland’s National Parks.
Policy and Strategy
- Led the development of the Queensland Government’s Queensland Ecotourism Plan 2016-2020 for the Department of Environment and Science.
Regulation
- Special Advisor to the Projects Chief Executive, Department of Innovation and Tourism Industry Development, on environmental and planning requirements relating to the Queensland Government’s Queensland Ecotourism Trails Program.
- Supported a major quarrying operator in South East Queensland in their engagement with Queensland Government regulators over a proposed quarry expansion.
Program Evaluation
- Led program evaluation of the Cape York Indigenous Joint Management Program for the Department of Environment and Science
- Reviewed the Queensland Ecotourism Trails program, suggesting revised program parameters, as well as new operating and governance models.