Member for Stuart and Minister for Energy and Mining, Dan van Holst Pellekaan has welcomed the appointment of three Outback Communities Authority (OCA) Board members.

The OCA’s responsibilities include:

• Managing the provision of existing public services and facilities to Outback communities;
• Promoting improvements in the provision of public services and facilities to Outback communities; and
• Articulating the views, interests and aspirations of Outback communities.

“I would like to acknowledge the contribution and achievements of the outgoing OCA Board members, especially Chair, Cecelia Woolford,” said Minister van Holst Pellekaan.

“I congratulate Bill McIntosh on his appointment as the incoming Chair of the OCA and am confident he will bring a depth of experience to lead the further development of the organisation and the Outback.

“I also welcome Frances Frahn from the Flinders Ranges and Lee Warmington from the Far West Coast to the Board which will benefit greatly from their contributions.

“Servicing 60 per cent of the landmass of South Australia that is so sparsely populated presents a unique set of challenges for the OCA Board and its staff.”

Chair Bill McIntosh said it was a privilege to have the opportunity to serve the Outback South Australian communities again.

“There is no doubt the Outback is at an important crossroads so there are likely to be challenging and exciting times ahead,” said Mr McIntosh.

“As a region we need to become more nationally and internationally competitive.

“We need to understand what services and infrastructure we need to keep communities energised, productive and resilient.

“I believe fundamentally in the importance of consulting with communities and making sure we listen to the robust conversations that this process may produce.      

“It is early days for the new Board appointments and I am sure we are all are looking forward to getting together, receiving briefings and making a strong start.”