New EPA Chair appointed

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Darren Walsh has been appointed Chair of the independent Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).
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Mr Walsh brings significant experience in environmental impact assessments, planning and policy to the role of Chair after joining the EPA board in November 2023.

He replaces Professor Matthew Tonts, who stepped down from the board earlier this year. 

Karen Caple, a former Executive Director at the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, will replace outgoing board member Professor Fiona Haslam McKenzie.

Minister for Environment Reece Whitby said: “Darren Walsh joined the EPA less than 12 months ago and has already made a significant contribution to the board.

“Karen Caple brings significant public sector and governance experience to the board, and I look forward to the contributions she makes to our state’s environment as a member of the EPA’s board.”

Minister Whitby also thanked Lee McIntosh, who as EPA Deputy Chair led the board over the past six months while the State Government undertook major reforms in response to the Vogel-McFerran review of environmental approvals.

Read the Minister’s statement.

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