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House of Assembly - Fifty-First Parliament, Third Session (51-3)
2008-09-25 Daily Xml
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Ministerial Statement

WATER SECURITY COMMISSIONER

The Hon. K.A. MAYWALD (Chaffey—Minister for the River Murray, Minister for Water Security) (14:13): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. K.A. MAYWALD: Today, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Robyn McLeod as the new full-time Commissioner for Water Security in South Australia. The appointment will commence on 10 November 2008. Ms McLeod is highly qualified for the role. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the water and energy sector.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. K.A. MAYWALD: In particular, she has experience in developing and delivering sustainable water supply strategies and innovative infrastructure projects in the areas of water recycling, desalination, system augmentations, irrigation modernisation and conservation measures.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. K.A. MAYWALD: She also has significant experience in intergovernmental negotiations, water resource planning and water market development. Ms McLeod currently holds the position of Director, National Water Group, within the Sustainability, Climate Change and Water Practice of KPMG, where she has developed a national water practice supporting key water reform and infrastructure projects across Australia including Western Australia and Tasmania. She is very highly regarded and was selected as one of the 1,000 participants in the Prime Minister's Australia 2020 Summit on population, sustainability, climate change and water panel. Previously, she has held senior executive roles within the Victorian government, including the role of Executive Director of the Major Projects Division with the water sector group of the Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment.

As Commissioner, Ms McLeod will lead and coordinate the development of integrated policy solutions across government to ensure the long-term security of the state's fresh water supplies to meet the state's economic, environmental and social goals. She will lead the Office for Water Security and support me in driving South Australia's commitments under the National Water Initiative, coordinating the development of the Murray Futures project and developing a comprehensive statewide water security plan that builds on and incorporates the Water Proofing Adelaide strategy.

As deputy chair of the state's Water Security Council, she will also assist me in leading the council to identify and address the important challenges of ongoing water security. Until now, the office has been headed by an interim commissioner, Professor Rob Lewis, who was appointed pending the appointment of a permanent independent commissioner. I want to thank Professor Lewis for his valuable work in establishing the office and progressing the water security agenda for the government whilst it sought a permanent commissioner.

Delivering long-term water security remains one of the South Australian government's highest priorities. I look forward to working with Ms McLeod, who will bring valuable experience, added energy and drive in leading a whole of government approach to water security policy. I look forward to working with Ms McLeod, continuing to work with Dean Brown, and to working with an across government approach as to how we manage water security in this state.

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