For Environment Graduate Rhiannon Stockley, a six-month rotation at Kogan Creek Power Station in Queensland's Western Downs has provided valuable hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of environmental management at a coal-fired power station.
After beginning her journey in Brisbane, Rhiannon relocated to the Western Downs as part of CS Energy's Graduate Program, immersing herself in the diverse environmental activities that support the operation of one of Australia's most efficient coal-fired power stations.
The role also provided a unique opportunity to see how environmental management is integrated into day-to-day operations.
Above: Rhiannon (centre) with Kogan Creek Power Station Environment team members Damien Leng (left) and Harry Mills (right).
“I worked alongside the Environment team, which gave me exposure to a huge variety of work across environmental compliance, inspections, rehabilitation and erosion monitoring, cultural heritage, reporting, audits, site improvement projects, and field activities,” Rhiannon said.
"One of the things I loved most about Kogan Creek was that no two days were ever the same," Rhiannon said.
"Every day brought a new challenge, a new opportunity to learn, or something completely unexpected.
“For example, before arriving at Kogan Creek, I had no idea that prickly pear cactus was a weed, let alone that Queensland once had a prickly pear plague – I now have a surprisingly extensive knowledge of cacti and about a thousand other random facts I never knew I needed.”
Working in the field gave Rhiannon exposure to practical challenges that aren't typically encountered in a university classroom or in an office. From monitoring rehabilitation areas and identifying invasive weeds to participating in inspections across site, she developed a broader understanding of the environmental responsibilities involved in operating critical energy infrastructure.
“Of course, environmental work wasn’t always what I expected, either,” Rhiannon said.
“I also found myself helping wrangle goats around the mine, and rounding up cattle that had wandered onto site. Safe to say, those experiences weren’t covered at university!”
The rotation also highlighted the importance of collaboration, with Rhiannon working closely with teams across the power station and gaining insight into how environmental outcomes are supported by employees throughout the business.
Stepping out of the comfort zone
One of the most significant lessons for Rhiannon was building confidence in an unfamiliar environment.
"Like many graduates, I questioned whether I was capable and worried that my lack of practical experience would hold me back," she said.
"The best thing I did was say yes to opportunities, ask questions and get involved."
That willingness to embrace new experiences accelerated her learning and helped her develop practical skills and confidence, reinforcing the value of stepping outside her comfort zone.
"Looking back, the more involved I became, the more I realised I was capable of far more than I had given myself credit for," she said.
While the technical experience was invaluable, Rhiannon said it was the people she met along the way who made the biggest impact.
"Everyone was incredibly generous with their time and knowledge. I learned so much from the people around me and built friendships that will stay with me long after the rotation finished."
Rhiannon has now commenced her next rotation at Callide Power Station, where she will continue to build her environmental expertise while supporting CS Energy's commitment to responsible operations and sustainability.