About North Star Associates
Infrastructure consulting and project management
Multi-billion dollar infrastructure projects have the capacity to impact millions of lives by improving energy accessibility, transport efficiency, and the resilience of critical systems. Achieving these goals is often stifled by a disconnect between the overarching strategy and the practical execution. North Star Associates advisory and consulting helps to close this gap between where you want to be and what you need to do to get there.
Who we are
Enlivening a future where our partnerships drive change, enrich communities, and create enduring outcomes for our future generations.
Gain access to 35 years of experience across energy, infrastructure and transport sectors with North Star Associates infrastructure consultancy services.
North Star Associates works across projects in both the private and public sector, as well as working with project developers and investors. Our emphasis on meaningful connections and collaboration means we have proven strategies for leading even the most complex projects and navigating complicated stakeholder environments.
Our people
The North Star Associates team
Consultants working across energy, major infrastructure and transport projects
Energy, infrastructure and transport play a key role in shaping the way we live, work and play. With experience spanning both Australia and the United Kingdom, the North Star Associates team tackles today’s issues like energy security and urbanisation through projects that implement tangible solutions at local and regional levels.
Headed by Malcolm Tinkler
Malcolm Tinkler partners with organisations to shape a better future through the critical infrastructure projects they invest in, build and operate. With 35 years of experience across energy, transport and infrastructure, Malcolm brings both strategic advice and enterprise leadership to accelerate meaningful change. With a focus on cultivating relationships, Malcolm supports the growth of partners and colleagues to help you shape projects that create enduring and sustainable outcomes for future generations.
Malcolm’s track record includes:
Our broader team
As well as Malcolm’s extensive experience, North Star Associates calls on a range of specialists and partner organisations as required to deliver on your project objectives. This includes specialist skills in:
- Active client strategic advisory
- Commercial and contracting advisory
- Delivery and packaging strategies
- Program and planning analysis
Our locations
North Star Associates is based in Melbourne, working with clients across Australia and internationally. We can work remotely, as well as on-site at your locations in response to project requirements.
- Melbourne
- Sydney
- Brisbane
Our approach
The North Star approach
Large-scale projects are complex and issues-rich by their very nature.
With over 35 years of experience across renewable energy, transport infrastructure, and oil and gas projects, North Star Associates brings together strategy and practical execution. We identify gaps and facilitate integration between asset ownership and operations, with strong governance and empowering people leadership.
Our approach is centred around these key principles:
01
Building genuine connections
We cultivate meaningful relationships with colleagues, stakeholders and communities so we can engage with authenticity.
02
Leading with thoughtfulness
We have a reflective approach to leadership, listening to incorporate diverse viewpoints so decisions are well-considered and balanced, to align with broader organisational and societal goals.
03
Navigating complexity
Whether it’s turning around distressed projects, aligning stakeholders with conflicting interests, or managing large-scale transformations, we can make sense of complexity and help guide you through it.
04
Inspiring collaborations
We bring people together, creating environments where collaboration thrives. We strive to make others feel valued, seen and motivated to contribute their best.
05
Balancing strategic vision with practical execution
We bridge the gap between high-level strategy and operational reality, ensuring that grand visions are grounded in actionable, sustainable plans.
Why choose us
Why us?
We share your interest to make things happen, and together we will envision possibilities that we can jointly explore and successfully realise.
Planning & Clarity
- Developing clear goals and objectives
- Undertaking comprehensive project planning
- Understanding clients & customer needs
- Defining mission, scope or problem statements
Communication & Engagement
- Stakeholder & relationship management
- Communication & information needs
Planning
& Clarity
Risk
Management
& Control
Communication
& Engagement
Team
& Expertise
Risk Management & Control
- Establish governance frameworks
- Establishing risk appetite & controls
- Performance & controls
- Due diligence & intervention strategies
Team & Expertise
- Competent associate network
- Cross-sector experience
- Learning organisation
- Development & growth
Our Legacy
A track record of successful infrastructure project delivery
We know that infrastructure investments drive transformation not just within businesses, but also within industries, communities, and societal systems. We blend big picture thinking with attention to the details that matter to help drive positive change.
Our team at North Star Associates have worked across energy infrastructure and transport projects in both Australia and the United Kingdom.
Past projects include:
Strategic advisory and consulting for targeted energy investment projects shaping Victoria’s energy transition
lberdola
Executive leadership for ‘mega’ projects in energy infrastructure, including driving the turnaround of the Western Renewables Link Project
AusNet Services
Collaborating to establish a new market stream in energy and renewables; delivery director for Melbourne’s Metro Tunnel Project; and construction and interface director for West Gate Tunnel
John Holland
Establishing a transport infrastructure business in Australia; leading rail infrastructure projects and multi-year framework contracts in the United Kingdom
Balfour Beatty Communities
Restructuring and re-launching national rail business unit to provide specialist capabilities in rail projects and services across Australia and New Zealand
McConnell Dowell
Explore our critical infrastructure projects that have delivered real, measurable impacts on individuals, families and communities.
