Gillespie Economics

Gillespie Economics Specialises in Environmental and Resource Economics

Gillespie Economics is a boutique environmental and resource economics consultancy established in 1997. The firm operates from West Ryde, New South Wales, and focuses on providing independent economic analysis for public and private sector clients. The practice specialises in integrating environmental, social, cultural and economic considerations into decision making processes.

Economic Analysis and Valuation Services

The firm provides economic analysis for natural resource management across multiple sectors including catchment management, forestry, biodiversity conservation, mining operations and waste management. Gillespie Economics applies benefit cost analysis with particular focus on incorporating non-market impacts into resource allocation decisions. The practice conducts nonmarket valuation using various techniques and prepares regional economic impact assessments through input-output analysis.

• Benefit cost analysis for catchment regulations, mining proposals, national park developments and regulatory impact statements
• Nonmarket valuation using productivity approaches, travel cost methods, contingent valuation and choice modelling
• Regional economic impact assessment examining employment, income and output effects of development proposals
• Financial appraisal using discounted cash flow analysis for project profitability assessment
• Policy analysis and development for environmental regulations and resource management frameworks

Professional Experience and Academic Background

The principal holds extensive qualifications including Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Economics, Master of Economics, PhD in Economics and Master of Planning degrees. The firm draws on over 20 years of consulting experience plus 12 years with NSW Government agencies including the Environmental Economics Policy Unit at NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. Academic experience includes lecturing positions at Macquarie University, Sydney University and University of Technology Sydney.

• Expert witness appearances before NSW Land and Environment Court for economic assessment matters
• Advisory services provided to government economists and Planning Assessment Commissions
• Presentations delivered to Government Ministers, executives and parliamentary inquiries

Service Areas and Project Experience

Gillespie Economics operates throughout New South Wales and collaborates with specialist networks across Australia. The firm works independently or with multidisciplinary teams depending on project requirements. Project experience spans gold, nickel, cobalt, coal and limestone mining assessments, hard rock extraction proposals, sewerage infrastructure projects and world heritage area nominations.

• Catchment management strategies and water supply project evaluations
• Native vegetation clearing applications and cultivation permit assessments
• Tourism operator impact studies for marine parks and national park facilities