Josh Byrne & Associates (JBA) provides a range of professional services and specialist expertise integrating the fields of environmental science, landscape design, sustainability policy and environmental communication.  We are based in Fremantle (Perth, Western Australia) and operate nationally.

Environment & sustainability
Horticulture & landscape design
Environmental communications

Josh Byrne
Environmental Scientist, Environmental Communicator, Horticulturalist and Principal Landscape Designer
Josh Byrne has a unique and integrated approach to landscape design, community development and environmental communication projects, which combines his academic background in Environmental Science with over 10 years of hands-on experience in the landscaping, horticultural and media industry.

Josh is recognised as a national leader in environmental communication and sustainable landscaping, and is well known for his media work as a television presenter (on ABC TV’s Gardening Australia) and published author (of the best-selling book The Green Gardener).  Josh has received several awards for his achievements in this area (refer to the Recent communications industry awards section on page 4).

Prior to establishing his own consultancy firm, Josh spent five years working in research and development with Environmental Technology Centre (ETC) at Murdoch University, which is an internationally-renowned demonstration site recognised under the United Nations Environment Program.  Josh was the principal designer and site manager overseeing the development of the landscape and environmental technologies supporting the Centre.

During that time Josh also worked as part of the Remote Area Developments Group (RADG), a research and development organisation based at Murdoch University which was established to investigate solutions to pressing environmental health and sustainability issues facing remote indigenous communities in Western Australia.  Josh has worked in several remote communities to implement sustainable permaculture and horticultural projects and deliver training and capacity-building programs.

Through his work with the ETC, RADG and now his own consultancy firm, Josh has gained invaluable experience in a wide range of environmental technologies and their application in the areas of energy conservation, water and waste management, sustainable housing and food production for urban as well as rural and remote settlements.  Josh continues to have strong links with the ETC and RADG where he is engaged in teaching and research in the field of water conservation strategies for sustainable urban landscapes.

Josh also has extensive experience in community education and consultation, which he sees as key processes in maximising the understanding, benefits and ongoing sustainability of a project.  Josh’s experience in sophisticated community environmental education and capacity-building programs has confirmed his belief that such programs are critical in achieving projects that are sustainable into the future.

Xavier Menagé
Project Manager
Prior to joining JBA, Xavier was employed by the Federal Department of the Environment and Heritage (DEH) and the Australian Greenhouse Office (AGO) for over five years.  During this time he was the manager of the Green Buildings program at DEH and the Greenhouse Friendly program in the AGO.

Xavier has advanced project management, support and coordination skills relevant to both private and public sector ventures.  He has strong working knowledge and experience in applying key environmental principles to projects and programs – for example: green buildings (rating tools, best practice guides, regulation), eco-efficiency/cleaner production, lifecycle assessment, energy efficiency/greenhouse, and eco-labelling.

Xavier also brings a sound understanding of the relevance of environmental management in relation to corporate/government leadership and strategic positioning, and is skilled in selling this message via stakeholder communications, community forums and industry roundtables.

Zoe Williamson
Landscape Design Manager
Prior to joining JBA, Zoe worked on a wide range of projects with a national planning and landscape architecture firm in Perth.  She completed her Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree at UWA, with honours by dissertation investigating the role of landscape architecture in remote Western Australian communities.  During her time at university she also participated in an overseas studio in Sri Lanka and co-edited the 2005 Kerb Journal of Landscape Architecture.  Zoe has strong skills in concept design and presentation, design development and preparation of working drawings, as well as contract administration.  She is proficient in the use of AutoCAD and the Adobe Creative Suite.

In addition to her landscape design background, Zoe has worked as a horticulturist and permaculturist for well over a decade.  She has also worked with a number of not-for-profit organisations running programs to facilitate community capacity building via the garden.  Zoe has a special interest in designs that enhance both cultural and ecological features, whether in urban or more remote sites. 

Yvette Canet-Gibson
Communications Manager
Yvette has over 20 years experience in coordinating events, marketing, publicity and resources, and providing project support.  She studied Production Management at AFTRS (Australian Film, Television & Radio School), which led to a 10 year career in commercial television, advertising and graphic design in Sydney.

Since her return to Perth in 1997, Yvette has worked as Writers’ Festival Coordinator for the Festival of Perth, and as an Events, Marketing and Publicity Manager in both the corporate and education sectors, utilising her strong administration, communications, art and design skills.