FORMER Mackay Regional Council Planner Matt Ingram has been welcomed to the RPS Whitsunday team.

RPS is an international consultancy firm working in the areas of energy, mining, infrastructure, urban growth and natural resource management.

Mr Ingram brings a wealth of local experience and strong connections to his new role, following five years with the Council.

His experience includes assessment and project management of a range of development applications and facilitation of numerous large scale projects.

RPS Whitsundays Manager Scott Reid said Mr Ingram's in-depth knowledge of land use, planning matters and Council procedures and processes would be an asset to his team.

"Matt's experience and skills will help us deliver ever stronger outcomes for our clients, focusing on practical and highly commercial solutions," he said. "We work with many of the area's most successful companies, from developers and builders through to infrastructure and mining providers and Matt will form a key part of this team."

Originally from Cairns, Mr Ingram has a Bachelor of Planning with Honours from James Cook University.

In his spare time he enjoys fishing, running or enjoying a drink somewhere near the water. He also keeps a very close eye on his beloved Saint Kilda Saints. Mr Ingram said he was looking forward to the opportunities and challenges associated with his move to Airlie Beach and joining the RPS team.

"RPS has a very strong and highly regarded planning team and I am excited to be on board to help service the local region," he said.

The RPS team has been involved with a range of key local projects including Whitsunday Lakes Estate, Port of Airlie, Abel Point Marina, Whitsunday Acres Estate, Whitsunday Bay Estate and Airlie Retreat.

RPS is an international consultancy delivering solutions in urban growth, infrastructure, energy, mining and NRM. More than 900 staff work across 21 Australian locations, including Airlie Beach, Mackay and Bowen.

For more information, visit http://www.rpsgroup.com.au or phone the Airlie Beach office on 4948 5300.