South Australian Government creates new role for bushfire rebuild

The South Australian Government has created a new senior role to coordinate the rebuild of the Kangaroo Island and Adelaide Hills economies and communities in the wake of devastating bushfires.

Margot Forster has been appointed State Lead Disaster Rebuilding and Resilience and will drive a comprehensive strategy to rebuild the economic and social infrastructure of these communities.

With a 38-year military and defence industry career behind her Ms. Forster will focus on ensuring there is an integrated rebuild of both the Kangaroo Island and Adelaide Hills communities.

Ms. Forster said she is honoured to have been asked to take on the role to implement the blueprint for the rebuild.

“It’s vital that the rebuild restores and strengthens the economic and social infrastructure of Kangaroo Island and Adelaide Hills to enhance the communities resilience to future threats,” she said.

“An important task will be engaging directly with the affected communities to understand the priorities and expectations for their future social and economic infrastructure.”

As part of the role, she will work closely with the Premier, senior government officials, local recovery coordinators and key industry stakeholders.

Ms. Forster will oversee coordination of Federal, State and Local Government funds and liaise with major non-government donors to support rebuilding in both regions.