LOCAL Government Minister Geoff Brock today announced the appointment of four new members to the Outback Communities Authority.
"The seven-member OCA plays an important role in providing a voice for outback communities and is also integral in providing and improving public services and facilities in those communities," Mr Brock said.
"Membership on the Authority provides a great opportunity to help shape the future of outback SA.
"The region is vast – covering around 65 per cent of the state with around 4000 residents spread across small communities, service locations and pastoral and farming properties.
"We sought strategic thinkers with skills and experience in financial management and regional industry, such as mining, transport, water management, waste management, energy provision and a commitment to community service in the outback."
OCA chair Cecilia Woolford said the members would apply their expertise to build on the work already created under the current membership by overseeing and guiding the directions and priorities outlined in the authority’s five-year strategic management plan, annual business plan and budget.
"The strength of the authority is its commitment to involve communities in decision-making and in setting long-term strategic directions," she said.
"The authority has been successful in engaging with outback residents on important matters to ensure they become part of this focus."
The four new members are:
- Jo Fort – co-owner of the Birdsville and Innamincka Hotels and a passionate advocate for tourism and economic opportunity across the outback.
- Mary Marsland – former chair of the SA Housing Trust with extensive experience in complex project and infrastructure delivery.
- Chris Michelmore – chair of a Corporate Syndicate of the CEO Institute of Australia, following a career in high level engineering, resources and development, including a decade as former group director of Connell Wagner Pty Ltd.
- Jan Ferguson – former managing director of Ninti One Ltd, a not-for-profit organisation focused on delivering economic opportunities to remote communities.
"I am thrilled to welcome four people with such extensive skills and experience to the OCA and I look forward to a great working partnership with the Board," Mr Brock said.
"I’m confident they’ll make an outstanding contribution to the communities across the outback.
"I also take this opportunity to sincerely thank the three members of the authority who have completed their terms - Margaret Heylen, Frances Frahn and Peter Allen, as well as Marilyn Turner who recently tendered her resignation."