Dick Austen AO 
Hon PhD University of New England 

Co-Founder and Chairman Austen and Butta Limited
Foundation Chairman German Creek Joint Venture

Former Chairman Australian Coal Association
Co-Founder World Coal Institute
Former Chairman Coal Advisory Board of the International Agency (OECD Paris)
Former Chairman Savage Resources Ltd
Former Chairman Australian Meat and Livestock Coorporation.

'In the mid nineties the Austen Family decided to develop a large deposit of Rhyolite identified on their property ‘Karingal‘ at Hartley, New South Wales. Don Reed was asked to review the geological information on hand and to devise a wide ranging plan for a substantial quarry operation. Such a plan to take into account the environmental sensitivity of the area generally, in particular the location of the site adjacent to the Coxs River, the characteristics of the stone, the changing market scene arising from the rapidly diminishing reserves of the Penrith Lakes Scheme together with approximate capital costs and likely financial performance. 

Hartley Quarry development, 2005

Hartley Quarry, 2007

Finally, and depending on the outcome of these studies Mr. Reed was asked to lead in the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement as a basis for an application for Development Consent. 

In the event that consent was achieved without difficulty. Mr. Reed’s wide ranging and deep understanding of the whole quarrying, cement and concrete industry proved to be a tremendous asset to the undertaking and its subsequent development and operation. From added exploration and general layout, pit scheduling and geometry, equipment sizing, product range, manning and overall approach to desirable markets Mr. Reed’s ideas and advice remain sound after more than a decade of high production.'

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Peter Graham 

Landowner and Quarry Operator, 
Yalkarra, Queensland 

            

'Don Reed became a key member of the group of professionals that we gathered together to make a successful transition from quarry operators to lessors. 

He drew on his association with other industry specialists and his own experience in actual quarry management and operation. This coupled with his broad, sound, practical knowledge in fields of geology and quarry planning were invaluable throughout the exercise and continue to be so in the follow up. 

Together with his  excellent personal and team interaction skills, these acquired assets and his academic qualifications allowed Don to negotiate with confidence on our behalf at the meeting table. We look forward to a continued association.'

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Jim Treloar 
Director 
Lonfield Pty Ltd 
Landowners of Linwood and Reynella Quarries Adelaide 

Longfield Pyt Ltd is the second largest property owner in the Adelaide Metropolitan area, second only to Adelaide University. The lessor of the Linwood and Reynella quarries is Boral. 

Linwood Quarry, Adelaide

'Our company engaged Don Reed's services when our previous 'quarrying specialist' retired. Don commenced in 2008 and has since become an integral part of our Quarry management team.

Our company is a family business that is now in its third generation. We own two quarries, both of which are situated in metropolitan Adelaide and are leased to a licensed operator, a major Australian public company.

Don has been engaged by our company to head the detailed negotiations with our licensed operator to renew our Deed for the Quarries and to also consult for us on all technical and commercial aspects of our quarrying business.

Don has brought an impressive skill set to this negotiation process. What is clearly evident is Don's extraordinary attention to detail combined with his focus on the best outcome possible for his client in the long term. We have great confidence in Don's abilities and skills to negotiate what will be an "intergenerational Deed" for our family company.

Don's academic qualifications, experience in actual quarry management and operation means that he has been able to combine his geological knowledge with his quarry planning skills to ensure that our company has quarries that will be operated with sustainably and profitability in accordance with best practise for all parties for many years.

Don's commercial skills are exceptional, from his ability to evaluate the options for our quarries, his ability to work with our other professionals and his engaging and frank manner in which he relates to both his clients and negotiating parties through to his detailed and objective reports and emails.

We value Don not only because of his professional skills and strong ethical values, but also his wise counsel and friendship, truly a great relationship for our company.'

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