EPA Board strengthens climate change capabilities
A year in from the amendment of the Environment Protection Act 1993 to clarify the role of the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) in addressing climate change, the EPA is continuing to build its capability at board and operational levels, with the appointment of its newest Board Member Julia Grant.
Ms Grant joins Ms Susan Jeanes, who was appointed to the board 12-months-ago, bringing significant climate change expertise to the EPA, continuing to strengthen the authority’s climate change capabilities.
Ms Grant had an instrumental role in the creation of Australia’s first climate change legislation, South Australia’s Climate Change Act 2006, and the introduction of the Water Industry Act 2012, which established economic regulation for South Australia’s water sector.
She has also played a key role in driving climate change initiatives at a local government level in her role as the Director of Strategy, Sustainability and Economic Development at the City of Onkaparinga. She currently works as the Director of Community at the council and will be joining the City of Burnside as CEO from January 2025.
Ms Grant brings more than 20 years of experience in the public sector, with a distinguished career spanning key roles at the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources and the Department of the Premier and Cabinet.
Ms Jeanes is a current member of the Premier’s Climate Change Council, which gives independent advice to the SA Government on the impacts of and solutions to climate change across all sectors of the South Australian community.
She has deep experience in the transition of industry required by a net zero economy, currently as Chair of the Heavy Industry Low-emissions Transition (HILT) CRC, and as a former Director of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency.
Ms Jeanes has a 25-year history working with leading renewable energy researchers and companies in the broader sustainability sector to develop strategies to commercialise their technologies, projects and/or discoveries.
EPA Board Presiding Member and Chair Catherine Cooper said the EPA plays a critical role in supporting South Australia’s response to climate change.
“The EPA continues to enhance its regulatory framework to provide greater clarity on how climate change can be embedded into regulatory expectations and decisions,” she said.
“The EPA is engaging with industry bodies on the implementation of the amendments to the EP Act, including on the scope of a proposed climate change environment protection policy..
“A key element to this is incorporating further knowledge and experience of climate change on the EPA Board, and the recent appointments of Ms Grant and Ms Jeanes bring a diverse skill set and leadership experience, as well as valuable insights and strategic direction on climate change and low emissions industries to the EPA Board.
“Their depth of expertise in policy development, climate change, water security, and sustainable economic development will be a tremendous asset to the EPA.”
Ms Grant replaces Dr Helen Macdonald, who has served on the board for more than 10 years.
The EPA Board is the governing body of the EPA for regulatory powers and matters associated with the Environment Protection Act 1993 and provides strategic direction, oversees the development of environmental policy, and monitors performance.
A full list of board members is available at: www.epa.sa.gov.au/about_us/epa_board
