Former Queensland Police Commissioner, Katarina Carroll, has been announced as the new board chairperson for QRA, Queensland’s lead agency for disaster recovery and resilience.
Ms Carroll is one of Queensland’s most decorated public servants, having served as QPS Commissioner and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES).
Ms Carroll brings to the role extensive experience in disaster management across multiple natural disaster events including the 2019 Queensland bushfires, the 2020 North Queensland Monsoon Flood and the 2022 Southern Queensland flooding.
“Ms Carroll makes for a stellar appointment as our new Queensland Reconstruction Authority chair,” said Disaster Recovery Minister, Nikki Boyd.
“Her unique experience on and leading our frontline over more than 30 years has equipped her with extensive knowledge when it comes to disaster management and recovery in this state as well as the work of QRA.
“The 2023-24 disaster season, one of our most volatile in history, reinforced the importance of QRA in supporting disaster impacted communities.
“Strengthened by Ms Carroll’s leadership and guidance, and the appointment of two new exceptionally experienced board members in Dr Aysin Dedekorkut-Howes and Ms Lynette McLaughlin, QRA will continue doing important work every day for the people of Queensland.”
Also joining Ms Carroll as new board appointments are:
- Dr Aysin Dedekorkut-Howes – is the Program Director of Urban and Environmental Planning at Griffith University and is an expert in the fields of environmental and regional planning, urban/disaster resilience, climate adaptation and sustainability.
- Ms Lynette McLaughlin – has extensive experience in community and regional issues serving as a councillor and Mayor for 22 years in Burdekin Shire Council. Ms McLaughlin has broad experience in governance, sustainability and disaster management and previously served as a board member from 2013 to 2016.
Ms Carroll replaces QPS Deputy Commissioner Shane Chelepy, who has been acting as QRA chair since July 2023. Dr Robert Glasser, Mr Brendan Moon, Ms Clare Chapple, Mr Greg Hallam and Deputy Commissioner Shane Chelepy will continue as board members.
“I’d also like to take the opportunity to thank QPS Deputy Commissioner and Queensland State Disaster Coordinator Shane Chelepy for his service to QRA as acting chair through the testing 2023-24 period,” said Minister Boyd.
“With severe bushfires, cyclones, storms and flooding, we have faced it all over the past 12 months and have been aided greatly by Mr Chelepy.”
QRA CEO Major General Jake Ellwood said he was delighted that Ms Caroll had agreed to take on the role.
“There is no one more experienced in Disaster Management in Queensland and her work alongside QRA through multiple crises over the years has given her a great insight into our operation and the challenges involved in immediate disaster relief and achieving long term recovery,” he said.
“I offer my thanks and best wishes to Ms Kirsty Kelly and Ms Louise Abell, whose terms are coming to an end after five years of service, and welcome Dr Dedekorkut-Howes and Ms McLaughlin to the Board.”
QRA was established under the Queensland Reconstruction Authority Act 2011, and in accordance with this, QRA has a board of management titled the Queensland Reconstruction Board.
