The NSW Department of Industry — Lands and Water has appointed a new executive team to support the drive towards best practice management of the state’s water resources and crown land estate.
Following a rigorous recruitment process and an overwhelming, high-quality response, the new executive team includes:
- Rachel Connell as Executive Director, Water
- Chris Reynolds as Executive Director, Crown Lands
- Liz Moore as Executive Director, Strategy and Policy
“I am confident this executive team will effectively lead us in enabling sustainable use and access to natural resources for the people of NSW,” Deputy Secretary Lands and Water, Liz Livingstone said.
“Collectively, they have led significant policy reforms, delivered complex government programs and are experienced in leading through change and understand the needs of our stakeholders – both internally and externally.
“Importantly I know each is absolutely committed to supporting our people and creating working environments that will allow us to perform at our best and deliver on our priorities.”
Rachel Connell, a lawyer by training, joins the team from the Department of Primary Industries (DPI).
Ms Connell has more than a decade’s experience in government and a strong reputation for innovative policy and program solutions, and for developing high performing and engaged teams.
She was also heavily involved in resetting relationships with other jurisdictions during recent Murray Darling Basin negotiations.
Chris Reynolds is a qualified town planner and surveyor with over ten years senior executive experience in the ACT and NSW working with high performing teams that have successfully delivered against complex and high risk government priorities.
Mr Reynolds brings experience in managing government-owned assets and has extensive experience and knowledge of the leasehold tenure system, statutory planning and environment approvals processes, acquisitions and sales.
Liz Moore has been instrumental in establishing the Strategy and Policy branch since December 2017 and prior to that was heavily engaged in the immediate development of the water reform program.
Ms Moore has over 30 years of experience in government, leading negotiations on sensitive issues in confidential environments and has a proven record in building and managing branches, units and teams to deliver results with a strong commitment to public sector integrity and professionalism.
“The new Lands and Water executive face challenging times ahead with a significant program of reforms in both Water and Crown Lands,” Ms Livingstone said.
“I am confident they will tackle these challenges head on while building a strong and stable team to ensure the department delivers on the government’s agenda and meets the expectations of the community in these important areas.”
