The South Australian Government has announced the seven-member board of the Urban Renewal Authority  which will be charged with delivering and increasing the supply and diversity of affordable housing and accelerating the renewal of social housing stock.

 

Minister for Housing and Urban Development Patrick Conlon said the newly appointed Board had considerable experience and skills in development, business, planning, government, health, environmental issues and social housing.

 

“The Board has a specific mandate to work on three key strategic priorities for the State Government - creating a vibrant city; renewing our neighbourhoods to make them safe and healthy; and having an affordable place to live for everyone,” he said.

 

“Through the URA, the State Government has a commitment to work with local communities, councils, industry and not-for-profit organisations to ensure our urban developments create wellplanned and better connected neighbourhoods close to transport, employment and services.

 

“We also want to deliver State Government priorities across portfolios to deliver all the outcomes that we strive to achieve and our Chief Executive Fred Hansen will work together with the Board towards these goals.”

 

The URA was established on 1 March, 2012, bringing together a significant portfolio of the State’s assets, valued at more than $10 billion, from the former Land Management Corporation, Defence SA and the South Australian Housing Trust.

 

Members of the URA Board appointed to a three year term (from 1 August 2012) are:

 

Ms Bronwyn Pike (Chair) is a former Victorian Government Minister with portfolio responsibilities and experience across health, housing, education and community services.

Mr Michael Terlet AO (Vice Chair) has private sector experience in international trading, investment and corporate governance and was made an Officer of the General Order of Australia for contributions to industry and export.

Ms Jennifer Westacott (Member) has a background at senior levels in public and private sector administration and is currently the Chief Executive of the Business Council of Australia.

Mr Theo Maras AM (Member) is the founder and Chairman of the Maras Group and has property investment and development experience.

Ms Helen Fulcher (Member) is the former Chief Executive of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and has experience in the development and delivery of social housing in South Australia, New Zealand and Western Australia.

Dr Amanda Rischbieth (Member) is the Chief Executive of the Heart Foundation (SA) and has over 30 years’ experience in health, clinical, education, research, executive management and corporate governance roles.

Mr Craig Holden (Member) is Director of Forme Projex and currently a board member of Common Ground Ltd.