Dr. Chris Chesterfield

Biography

Chris Chesterfield serves as a Professor at the Monash Sustainable Development Institute, focusing on water sector governance and leadership. He joined Monash University in 2014 and is part of the executive team for the Cooperative Research Centre for Water Sensitive Cities, where he is recognized as a key strategic thinker and research leader. His work emphasizes water governance, urban water planning, and city-scale transitions toward sustainable and livable futures. Chesterfield leads research aimed at developing new evidence and industry tools to drive transformative changes in water systems. His tools, such as the Water Sensitive Cities Index, have been implemented in over 50 cities across Australia and internationally. He has played significant roles in urban water management, helping establish Melbourne as a leader in water-sensitive urban design. His professional experience includes leadership positions within Melbourne Water and significant planning legislative reforms. Chesterfield is actively involved in various advisory committees and collaborates with multiple stakeholders to shape policies and practices for integrated water management, contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He is also the Chairman of the Monash Medical Centre and the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, reflecting his extensive involvement in water governance.

Research Interests

Experience