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Chantal Keane

from Analytical Chemist to Circular Economy Strategist
I develop strategies for waste water companies to prepare for the future.
Industry
Water and Waste
Company
Urban Utilities
Job Level
Mid
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Ask me about

  • Starting an Arts Degree and then changing to Science
  • My work as an analytical chemist
  • How I helped design the Flushability Standard for wet wipes

About me

I am a young water professional working with Urban Utilities. I graduated with a degree in chemistry and worked first as an analytical chemist in the laboratory before moving to my current position as a Circular Economy Strategist.

Never one to shy away from a challenge, I worked for 18 months on the Australian Flushability Standard which lead to presentations at the 2019 Q’Water Conference and the 2020 OzWater Conference. My early successes have opened doors to further opportunities such as the WSAA Young Utility Leaders’ Program in 2021/22. 

Outside of work, I am an avid netball fanatic and dedicate my spare time to my local netball club as its president and developing my skills as a state league netball umpire.

About my role

  • Curious
  • Logical
  • Optimistic
  • Passionate
  • Persuasive

The role of a Circular Economy Strategist helps to develop and implement strategies, so water and waste industries can make sound decisions today that help us tomorrow. This role description is quite new, as the circular economy is an innovative idea for the world to tackle.

A Circular Economy Strategist works within a team that includes a lot of interesting roles operating in the areas of climate change, environmental water quality, sustainability, and “liveability” specialties. The role itself focuses on how we can change processes to design out waste and pollution, keep materials in use and regenerate nature.

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Education

  • Queensland Certificate of Education
  • Bachelor of Science (Chemistry)
  • Cert IV in Leadership and Management

Subjects

  • Chemistry
  • Mathematical Methods (Maths B)
  • Physics
  • Specialist Mathematics (Maths C)

Awards

  • Dean’s commendation for academic excellence
  • Best Paper Award - QLD Water Conference
  • Innovation award - Urban Utilities

Hobbies

  • Gym
  • Netball
  • Reading
  • Renovating

Pets

  • 1 Dog
  • 2 Cat

15 year old me!!

“Figure out what you can control and don’t worry about what you can’t. Don’t care so much what other people may think. Stand tall. Confidence breeds confidence.”

My career journey

Curious to know how I got here? Here’s a snapshot of my career pathway.
  1. Picked chemistry to study year 11/12
  2. Changed degrees from arts to science
  3. Landed first job as analytical chemist
  4. Asked to help on flushability project
  5. Accepted into Young Utility Leaders’ Program

My typical day

My employer

Urban Utilities is one of the largest water distributor-retailers in Australia, supplying drinking water, recycled water and sewerage services to a population of more than 1.5 million in South East Queensland.