About Us

The multifaceted team at Rygate & West provide a range of services across the disciplines of Land Surveying, Civil Engineering, Town Planning and Project Management.

Backed by a long and proud history of offering land development expertise on the South Coast of NSW, Rygate & West continue to invest in equipment and technology to deliver modern, efficient and timely results to our clients.

Meet the Rygate & West Team

Peter Smith Managing Director of Rygate & West

Peter Smith

Managing Director

Peter Smith is the Managing Director of Rygate & West.

Since achieving his Engineering degree in Surveying and Spatial Information Systems at the University of New South Wales, Peter has led complex international projects in Kuwait, Tanzania, and Papua New Guinea. Closer to home, Peter’s experience grew with key involvement in the following major developments: the Wheatstone LNG Project, the Sydney Desalination Plant, HMAS Albatross expansions, Port Kembla Blast furnace 5 reline and the Botany Groundwater Treatment Plant / Cleanup Project.

Peter's dedication to the field of land development extends beyond professional obligations. A proud member of the Urban Development Institute of Australia NSW (UDIA NSW), he actively contributes to discussions on smart city development. His involvement with the Institution of Surveyors NSW and the Association of Consulting Surveyors further demonstrates his commitment to the advancement of the surveying profession.

The legacy of land development runs deep in Peter's family and this familial connection has instilled in him a deep understanding of the industry's history and its future potential. At Rygate & West, Peter has been instrumental in modernising operational practices, especially in surveying and data management, significantly enhancing efficiency and client satisfaction. His approach combines a deep respect for traditional methods with an eye towards adaptive, innovative solutions that meet contemporary challenges.

Under Peter's leadership, Rygate & West is poised to continue its trajectory of excellence in land development.

Graham Beasley former Managing Director of Rygate & West

Graham Beasley

Eminent Land Development and Cadastral Surveying Advisor, former Managing Director of Rygate & West

Graham Beasley's remarkable tenure in surveying and land development spans over fifty years, characterised by significant achievements and a profound impact on the urban landscape on the South Coast. He is a University of New South Wales alumnus with a Bachelor of Surveying (Hons Class 1 Div 2), recognised for his academic excellence with multiple awards.

As the Former Managing Director of Rygate & West, a role he assumed in 2001 after being the manager and Resident Partner since 1988, Graham played a crucial role in the company's growth and success. His expertise in subdivision and regional planning, engineering design, cadastral surveying, and project management has been instrumental in the development of many thousands of properties in the area, a testament to his skill and dedication to his profession and the local area.

Beyond his professional achievements, Graham has been actively involved in community service, notably serving on the Board of Directors of Mollymook Golf Club Limited from 1993 to 2005. His tireless dedication has significantly shaped the Rygate & West over the past several decades.

While Rygate & West embarks on a new chapter under the leadership of Peter Smith, Graham's legacy and ongoing involvement continue to be invaluable to the company and the communities it serves.

Tim Cook Registered Surveyor at Rygate & West

Tim Cook

Registered Surveyor, Eurobodalla Survey Manager

Tim is a highly skilled and experienced Registered Land Surveyor with a Bachelor of Surveying from the University of New South Wales. Having completed a range of rural and urban projects across the state, Tim has continuously demonstrated a commitment to excellence in diverse surveying projects including Torrens and Strata subdivisions in NSW, road construction, building set out, and high-rise construction.

Tim's role as Registered Land Surveyor with Rygate & West sees him project managing diverse subdivision and cadastral surveying projects along with the supervision of set-out surveys and identification surveys of various sites across the Shoalhaven and Eurobodalla regions. Tim is proficient in operating drones & processing datasets to produce 3D models and aerial imagery.

With a strong foundation in engineering and a passion for surveying, Tim continues to excel in his field, ensuring that each project meets the highest standards of quality. Tim is committed to leveraging his expertise to deliver innovative solutions and drive success for clients.

Jaimee Jones Accounts and Office Manager of Rygate & West

Jaimee Jones

Accounts & Office Manager, Ulladulla / Batemans Bay

Jaimee has been an integral part of Rygate & West since August 2018. Within her first year, she demonstrated her commitment to professional growth by completing her Certificate III in Business Administration. Beginning her journey as our front office receptionist, Jaimee adeptly managed new enquires, phone calls, quoting, scheduling jobs and handling emails.

In 2022, Jaimee assumed the role of Accounts / Office Manager, showcasing her versatility and leadership skills. In this capacity, she oversees day-to-day employee operations, manages payroll processing, handles accounts and invoices, schedules jobs, and prepares quotes, among many other responsibilities.

Jaimee's dedication to excellence is evident in her meticulous approach to every task. She approaches new challenges with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn, ensuring continued success for herself and our team.

Originally from the Ulladulla area, Jaimee brings a strong sense of community and familiarity with local dynamics to her role.

Christopher Conway Registered Surveyor, Cadastral Surveying Advisor, Former Managing Director or Conway, Burrows and Hancock

Christopher Conway

Registered Surveyor, Cadastral Surveying Advisor, Former Managing Director or Conway, Burrows and Hancock

Christopher has been in private practice since 1978 when he purchased MD Dowling and Associates in Canberra.

After moving to Batemans Bay in 1981 he started the company, Chris Conway and Associates, and then in 1984 he amalgamated with Alan Burrows who had previously bought out Peter Hancock. They formed a new company called Conway, Burrows and Hancock. Along with Bullock & Walters, they became the dominant Survey and Engineering companies in the shire and were responsible for almost all subdivisions and developments in the Eurobodalla.

Both Alan and Christopher have had many years of experience in the fields of Surveying and Engineering, and together they forged a very enviable reputation in the area. Christopher believes he is now one of the oldest Surveyors in NSW.

In 2022 Conway, Burrows and Hancock merged with Rygate & West and the company continues to work from the original office in Batemans Bay.

Alan has chosen to retire and enjoy the benefits of the years of hard work, whilst Christopher remains in semi-retirement, electing to work with Rygate & West when needed. He feels very honoured to be employed casually by Rygate & West, and to be able to assist them with their complex Survey and Engineering problems.

Catherine Thistleton Office Administrator at Rygate & West

Catherine Thistleton

Office Administrator, Planning and Projects Assistant

Born in Milton NSW, Catherine has had a long and happy career spanning over three decades with Rygate & West. After completing secondary education, Catherine enrolled in a secretarial studies course at TAFE Ulladulla.

Catherine joined Rygate & West in 1988 and has since become an integral part of the company's operations. Starting as a receptionist, Catherine demonstrated exceptional dedication and skill. Over the course of 36 years, Catherine has had various roles within the company including accounting, wages, superannuation and monthly tax submissions to general office administration and organisation. Catherine has also demonstrated proficiency in other areas of the business including drafting survey plans, typing reports, and liaising with clients.

In Catherine's current role, she is responsible for completing applications for various Councils, NSW Land Registry and Service Authorities, all whilst navigating never-ending changes to technology.

Throughout Catherine's time at Rygate & West, she has proven herself to be a reliable and invaluable asset to the company.

Ian Mierau Registered Surveyor at Rygate & West

Ian Mierau

Registered Surveyor, Shoalhaven Survey Manager

Ian is a highly skilled and experienced Registered Land Surveyor with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Oregon State University. Having engaged in a range of projects within Australia, Ian has continuously demonstrated a commitment to excellence in diverse surveying projects including Torrens and Strata subdivisions in NSW, road and rail construction, building set out, and wind farm construction.

Ian's role as Registered Land Surveyor with Rygate & West sees him project managing diverse subdivision and cadastral surveying projects along with the supervision of set out surveys and identification surveys of various sites across the Shoalhaven and Eurobodalla regions.

With a strong foundation in engineering and a passion for surveying, Ian continues to excel in his field, ensuring that each project meets the highest standards of quality. Ian is committed to leveraging his expertise to deliver innovative solutions and drive success for clients.

John Clague Senior Town Planner at Rygate & West

John Clague

Senior Town Planner

John is a highly skilled and experienced Town Planner who joined Rygate & West in 2021. He is a graduate in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of New England, Armidale NSW and is a Member of the Planning Institute of Australia. John leads Town Planning services at Rygate & West and works collaboratively with our professional, technical and administrative team to obtain the best results for our clients.

His career includes an extensive background in NSW Local Government in Senior Town Planning and management roles, together with more recent experience as a consultant Town Planner.

The law and practice of Town Planning is becoming increasingly complex and our clients can rely on John’s knowledge and expertise to get the best outcome for their project or proposal.

Jarrah Gilmour Surveyor at Rygate & West

Jarrah Gilmour

Surveyor

Jarrah Gilmour, a talented surveyor at Rygate & West since August 2022, has quickly become an integral part of the team. With a wealth of experience in land surveying, Jarrah is currently on the path to becoming a registered surveyor.

Before joining Rygate & West, Jarrah gained expertise in a variety of projects, ranging from residential to large-scale construction projects such as the Batemans Bay Aquatic Centre, Crown Towers in Wollongong, and mining infrastructure in the Pilbara.

At Rygate & West, Jarrah's responsibilities encompass a diverse range of tasks, including mentoring junior staff, managing subdivision surveys, and handling complex project management duties.

Jarrah's commitment to efficiency improvement systems and his adaptability in dynamic work environments make him a valuable asset to the Rygate & West team.

Our History

1863
PW Rygate
Philip William Rygate was born in Wellington, NSW in 1863. His father was a doctor in the town and had four sons, three of whom also became doctors. Philip was educated at Newington College and matriculated in 1879.

1903
Clive E Anderson
Clive Eric Anderson, born in 1883 in Bathurst, was the son of a licensed Surveyor and a cousin of Philip Rygate. He joined the latter’s staff in 1903, where he served articles however failed to qualify for a license.

1914
Partnership with PW Rygate & West
In 1914, Clarence James Lyle West was employed by Philip Rygate as an articled Survey pupil. Lyle West’s mother, who had been widowed at an early age, knew Philip Rygate, probably through several property dealings with which she had been involved, and it is believed she was responsible for introducing her son to Rygate.

1920’s
Between the wars
The practice flourished during the busy 1920’s till hit by the great economic depression of the early 1930’s. Amongst the better known students who gained their qualifications with the firm in those days were J. F. McIlwraith, later Chief Surveyor at the Water Board, Cecil Rich, Charles R. Stoddart and Harold Preston-Stanley.

1940 
The war years 
Early in 1940, Alderton enlisted, followed later by Champion, leaving West with a somewhat depleted and ageing staff.

1945
The Post War period (1945 – 1972)
Lyle West returned to the practice in June 1945, first sharing premises with Foxall and Lines. The ever-faithful chainman George Ford was re-engaged and Roger Hogan was the first post-war articled pupil, commencing articles in July 1945.

Post War years
The South Coast office
In the early post-war years, the firm had several long-standing clients with properties at Sussex Inlet and Ulladulla. Both of these yielded quite a lot of subdivision work.

1972
Foxall & Lines
In September 1972, G.C.S. (Geoff) Foxall, who was the sole remaining partner of the firm, Foxall & Lines, amalgamated that firm with P.W. Rygate & West, becoming himself a partner in Rygate & West.

1982
Smith Bolin & Co established in Ulladulla
In 1982, Peter Smith Snr in partnership with Len Bolin opens Smith Bolin & Co in Ulladulla. For over 35 years, this multi-disciplined development consultancy firm ran in parrallel to Rygate & West. It's influence not limited to local development projects but to a young aspiring Surveyor, Peter Smith Jnr.

1988
Graham & Jennie Beasley
In May of 1988 Graham Beasley and wife Jennie took over the South Coast office. During their thirty plus years of ownership, Graham prepared close to 900 Deposited Plans and was involved in the creation of more that 2500 lots in the area.

Early 2000’s
Bullock & Walters
In the early 2000's, Ralph Bullock and Bruce Walters sold the business to Rygate & West, and the two businesses were amalgamated. Rygate & West now had a Batemans Bay office.

2019
Peter & Amy Smith
In 2019 Rygate & West was taken over by Peter Smith and his wife, Amy. Peter is the son of the late Peter Smith of Peter Smith & Co, previously Smith Bolin & Co. He was born and raised in the local area, and he started painting surveyor pegs for his father whilst still in primary school. Since then, he has worked in a wide range of roles and locations across Australia and overseas.

2021
Conway Burrows & Hancock
In 2021 Chris Conway and Allan Burrows sold their long-standing surveying firm, Conway Burrows & Hancock (est. 1981) to Peter and Amy Smith. With the two firms amalgamating, this meant we had a new location in Batemans Bay at the former Conway Burrows & Hancock office at 126 Beach Road, Batemans Bay.

2023
Pier 32
After over thirty years in it's previous locale, the Ulladulla office permanently relocated into it’s beautiful new premises at Pier 32, Wason Street in Ulladulla. R&W Consulting, trading as Rygate & West (inc. Bullock & Walters and Conway, Burrows and Hancock), continues to thrive. With around thirty staff on their dynamic team, R&W continue to provide services up and down the south east coast of NSW and beyond.