Afive member transitional board has been appointed to oversee the new Forestry Centre of Excellence in Mount Gambier.


Forests Minister Clare Scriven said the centre is the first of its kind in South Australia and is initially being established within the University of South Australia.


Minister Scriven said the oversight by a transitional board and an independent chair would be required while the final governance structure is designed.


She said operations will be transitioned to a permanent structure and the transitional board replaced with a skills-based board.


“I have appointed Professor Rob Lewis as the independent chair of the board,” Minister Scriven said.


“Other members of the board are Odette Lubbe, Managing Director of Green Triangle Forest Products, representing the Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub; Emma-Kate Griffiths, People and Culture Manager, Timberlands Pacific, representing the South Australian Forest Products Association; Professor Jason Whittle, Dean of Research, University of South Australia STEM; and Jo Collins, Executive Director, Industry, Strategy and Partnerships, Department of Primary Industries and Regions.


“Professor Julie Mills has been appointed as interim director of the centre while we are undertaking a global search for an ongoing director of the centre.


“She has extensive academic and leadership experience including as Professor of Engineering Education and Executive Dean of STEM at UniSA.


“Professor Mills’ experience is welcome at this critical stage.


“Dr Jim O’Hehir has commenced as general manager.


“Other staff are also being recruited including a senior research fellow in forestry systems and a project coordinator.”