Our Team

Scott Walton has over 35 year’s experience in materials testing and investigation with various organisations throughout Australia. He joined Geotechnics on the Sunshine Coast where his role involved primarily material investigations for the design of all manner of commercial and residential developments and construction as well as continued testing of MR projects.

Upon leaving the Sunshine Coast he took up a position with Hollingsworth Dames and Moore in Cairns as a Senior Soils Technician. It was here that he was first introduced to Contaminated Site/Hazardous Waste investigations. He was extensively trained in all techniques required for the investigation, sampling and handling of various hazardous materials and then was a key member in the performance of many contaminated site investigations including mine tailing dams, landfills and fuel storage facilities. During his time with HDM he was also the principal materials tester for large scale road construction projects at Smithfield, Mowbray and Babinda.

Upon leaving HDM he moved to laboratory positions with Earthtech (Brisbane), SGS (Hobart) and Acirl (Emerald). In each of these positions he has held senior positions with responsibilities for many multi-million dollar projects. In Tasmania he was responsible for the management of a large base laboratory in Hobart as well as the development of a branch lab in Launceston. Scott has been the Laboratory Supervisor for the Department of Natural Resources Engineering Services laboratory in Ayr and Rockhampton a position he has held since 1997. He was responsible for all investigation works, construction testing and laboratory management in North Queensland.

Scott has maintained NATA signatory status for an extensive range of soils, aggregate and concrete testing throughout his career. He has authored several papers and studies finding for R&D projects (LWRRDC) while in this position as well as preparing Operation and Maintenance Manuals for several of Queensland’s largest dams.

Accreditations

• Diploma of Engineering
• Certificate IV in Domestic Wastewater Management
• Certificate IV in Engineering (Technician)
• 30215QLD Course in General Safety Induction (Construction Industry)
• CNQ32 Management Skills for Licensed Contractors – Open Learning Institute of Tafe

Quentin Rider is the South Branch Manager of CQ Soil Testing. Quentin has over 25 years of engineering, construction and operational experience. Over the last 5 years, Quentin has drawn upon his early engineering experience to develop a local soil testing business in the Wide Bay and Burnett regions.

CQ Soil Testing clients have benefited from Quentin’s Environmental Engineering background for onsite wastewater treatment system design, acid sulphate soils, and qualitative and quantitative soils determinations (geotechnical and agronomic).

Ben is a skilled Soil Technician within the CQ Soil Testing team and is currently operating the Mackay branch. His extensive interest in providing quality service to customers, clear communication and affordable pricing make him an excellent manager. His responsibilities have included field work, lab testing, drafting waste water, contour plans, writing reports for site classifications, effluent disposal, geotechnical and pavement investigations, as well as organization of jobs and communicating with clients. He is completing a Certificate IV in Drilling to complement his skill set. Ben’s love for adventure have been stimulated by participating in many large geotechnical and pavement investigations projects that have him taken all over Queensland.

Ben is highly motivated to provide great service with accurate results in a timely manner.

Patrick is a skilled Soil Technician within the CQ Soil Testing team, having joined in 2020. His extensive interest and background in environmental planning and management, having attended QUT where he obtained a Bachelor of Science majoring in Environmental Science, has enabled him to excel in his role at CQ Soil Testing. His responsibilities have included field work, lab testing, drafting wastewater and contour plans, and writing reports for geotechnical and pavement investigations. He has gained invaluable theoretical and practical experience in the field of soil sciences.

Patrick has had the opportunity to head many projects for a variety of clients ranging from first time homebuyers to large multinational mining companies.

Matt is a skilled soil technician with the CQ Soil Testing team based in Central Queensland. With 8 years of experience in geotechnical and exploration drilling across various organisations, he has developed a strong expertise in geotechnical and safety procedures.

His key responsibilities include site classifications, geotechnical investigations, environmental investigations, pavement investigations, electrical resistivity testing, field servicing, and fleet management. Matt ensures that all drills are safe to operate and in full compliance with industry standards.

Matt has also completed his Certificate III in Drilling Operations, along with additional competencies, to diversify his skill set and maintain compliance for any project requirements.

Having worked in administration for over 20 years and possessing a Bachelor of Business (Management), Alison has gained a solid and valuable understanding of customer service, time management and teamwork. Alison is focused on streamlining business procedures to ensure that staff are fully supported whilst the business operates at peak efficiency.

Alison has been instrumental in implementing several key processes within CQ Soil Testing, including the introduction of an accredited HSEQ system.