Michael Wicks

Chief Executive Officer at Ocean Protect

Michael Wicks is an accomplished leader with extensive experience in the environmental sector. Currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer and Technical Director at Ocean Protect since March 2010, Michael has played a pivotal role in driving the company's success. Prior to this, Michael held the position of National Manager at Stormwater360 from March 2008 to March 2010. Michael began a career at INGAL Environmental Services in January 2001, progressing from NSW Business Manager to Product Manager before leaving in March 2008.

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Ocean Protect

For over two decades we have been leaders in the design, installation and maintenance of stormwater treatment assets and infrastructure. Our purpose beyond profit is to protect our waterways with the health of our oceans now at crisis levels. It’s predicted there will be more plastic in the sea than fish by 2050 and whilst plastic is part of the issue, so too is toxins and pollutants including sediments, heavy metals, nitrogen, phosphorous and cigarette butts that flow to the ocean from stormwater runoff. With an urgent need to accelerate the amount of pollution we capture on land, changes are necessary in human behaviour, knowledge and legislation. That’s why we are committed to three key areas: -Bringing about change to legislation that will have a real impact -Increasing public awareness of stormwater through education -Developing an advocacy program where we’ll share much-needed funds with worthwhile charities Change: We are actively raising public awareness and speaking with politicians to make maintenance of stormwater infrastructure and roads a legal and enforceable requirement. Without proper maintenance, all compulsory water treatment systems become ineffective and ultimately, our waterways pay the price. We estimate this change in legislation will save 240 litres of pollution from entering our waterways each day - that’s over 500 standard size wheelie bins! Education: We partnered with Keep Australia Beautiful to develop and deliver ocean conservation science modules to NSW primary schools. In 2020 we partnered with Eco Educate. Eco Educate works with primary and secondary schools across the country to deliver quality, curriculum-aligned education. Advocacy: In 2019, we’re partnered with five charities by donating $50,000 to their collective conservation efforts. We’re also fundraising for them via our online shop. We will increase our financial contribution to relevant causes in parallel with business growth year-on-year.


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11-50

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