New CEO for catchment authority

DR Amber Clarke has been announced as the new CEO of Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, or CCMA.

Dr Clarke has previously worked as the acting CEO of the East Gippsland CMA and as the director of waterway programs at the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.

She said those roles have provided her with with an understanding of statewide policy, programs and operations.

“The opportunity to live and work in the Corangamite region is an exciting one, with its exceptional natural values, diverse ecosystems and dynamic communities and the challenges posed by a rapidly growing population, a changing climate and impacts on waterway and catchment health,” said Dr Clarke.

Corangamite CMA chair Kath Jenkins said it’s exciting to have Dr Clarke as the new CCMA CEO.

“With 14 years’ experience in the Victorian Government, Amber has overseen the development and implementation of significant policy frameworks and programs for waterway and catchment management, including securing major government investment in the sector,” she said.

“Amber has also dedicated herself to environmental science, having a PhD in freshwater ecology from Monash University studying biodiversity of macroinvertebrates in headwater stream networks.”

Outgoing CEO John Riddiford will be finishing his role in September and will be starting part-time international work.