urban greening and cooling
We believe nature in cities plays a critical role in both community wellbeing and ecological health. Our urban greening and cooling specialists develop strategies and plans for urban forests, greening and cooling, and apply advanced urban climate models and spatial analysis to inform climate-water-biodiversity sensitive urban and landscape design.
Urban greening
We have unique skills in the delivery of urban forestry research and planning projects. Our team provides services for the collection and analysis of urban forest data (including tree and vegetation information, social, infrastructure and environmental), the integration of urban forest outcomes into capital works at the local and regional scale, engagement of communities and capacity building for local governments to plan for and manage their urban forest now and into the future. Our urban greening consultants work with trusted partners to deliver technical arboricultural advice. We have provided strategic social and biophysical advice, evidence and evaluation services to governments and industry across Victoria, the ACT, Qld and NSW on trees, canopy and greening through projects such as the NSW Greener Neighborhoods Guide, Improving Water Efficiency through Landscaping for BASIX, Which Plant Where Adoption Project and multiple design and management projects.
Urban heat and cooling
We are leaders in urban heat management and research, drawing on strong academic connections and innovative approaches to understanding and addressing heat in cities. Our urban heat consultants support clients to gather and interpret urban heat data with the right scale, rigour, and audience in mind, working alongside trusted partners to ensure credible and actionable insights.
We collaborate with government and non-government organisations to describe the impacts of heat on people and places, distil evidence from the literature, and provide practical recommendations. Our track record includes developing the Microclimate Assessment Guide (ACT), delivering baseline public domain heat measurements (ACT), assessing heat risk in NSW urban centres, evaluating heat and greening strategies for Monash University, and modelling community vulnerability and urban typology impacts for agencies and developers.
Nature-based tourism
Our nature based tourism consultants design and deliver strategies that harness the benefits of nature for communities, visitors, and the environment. Our work spans market analysis, health-focused nature ‘prescriptions,’ greenspace planning, and land management approaches that strengthen both ecological and social outcomes.
We partner with governments, regions, and communities to develop sustainable tourism opportunities such as regional cycling and walking trails, food and nature-based experiences, and Indigenous land management initiatives. By integrating cultural values, environmental stewardship, and economic potential, we help clients unlock the full value of nature-based tourism while ensuring resilience for people and place.
Industry leadership
Our urban greening and cooling consultants are industry leaders who are known for their deep expertise and knowledge in their field. They bring a thorough understanding of industry trends, technologies and best practices.
Dr Dom Blackham
Dom is a geographer with specialist expertise in resilient and liveable catchments and cities. He has a particular interest in bringing together open space, urban water, green infrastructure and restoration planning for environmental and social outcomes.<br><br>Over his 20-year career in consulting and research, Dom has delivered complex projects and helped clients solve intractable problems. His collaborative approach, advanced project management capability, workshop facilitation skills, and deep technical knowledge allow him to develop strategies, plans and on-ground actions that meet multiple and often competing, objectives. Dom is a regular presenter and panellist at industry conferences.<br><br>Dom has pioneered the application of genuinely integrated, evidence-based approaches to understanding how open space networks, urban forests and urban water can influence sustainable, liveable cities.
Jan Orton
General Manager – Mosaic Insights
Jan is the General Manager of Mosaic Insights, she is a well-respected and recognised champion, leader and strategist for liveability, sustainability and natural resource management.<br><br>Over her 30 year career in local government and consulting, Jan has worked alongside communities, elected representatives, state and federal government agencies, researchers and private interests on urban greening including open space and recreation, urban forestry, canopy analysis, and adaptation and resilience; water and catchments, public domain design and management, market research, evaluation, community led resilience planning. institutional capacity and evaluation, policy and strategy, and developing the evidence base for science-led decision making.<br><br>Jan has led change in numerous areas of sustainability and land management and been recognised through many awards. In 2008 Jan was named the public sector manager of the year by the Institute of Public Administration Australia for her leadership and impact in applying research around integrated urban water management to the local government sector. <br><br>Jan has extensive experience in engaging communities and other stakeholders in public land / public interest plans. Jan has expanded the craft of collaborative planning across recreation, rivers, open space, infrastructure and services. Her strengths lay in using available evidence from a wide range of sources, sectors and experiences bringing together diverse groups, interests and disciplines to address what are often complex NRM and urban management issues. <br><br>Jan has held senior management positions in local government and in consulting, she has managed and led large and diverse teams across environment and sustainability, parks and recreation, waste and recycling, works and infrastructure. <br><br>Jan has completed the Australian Institute of Company Directors course which has expended her knowledge and application of best practice governance and reinforced the importance of stakeholders’ involvement in good decision making.
More Mosaic Insights capabilities
AI and machine learning
We work with our clients to deploy AI and machine learning to enhance decision-making through predictive analytics and improving data-driven insights.
Nature-based solutions
Our work focuses on the integration of natural processes and ecosystems to address challenges such as climate change, flooding, air quality, and biodiversity loss. Our work improves urban resilience and enhances the well-being of communities.
Open space planning
We shape cities and regional communities for decades to come. Our work creates functional, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing environments that promote community engagement, well-being, and ecological health.
Social science
We specialise in human-nature connections where we identify areas of social enquiry to inform environmental planning, evaluation and delivery.
Spatial and data science
We integrate and analyse big data sets, write algorithms, apply advanced GIS techniques, and develop dashboards and other visualisations to communicate complex science and ideas in beautiful, accessible ways.