Former Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll is the new board chairperson of the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA).
Ms Carroll replaces Queensland Police Service (QPS) Deputy Commissioner Shane Chelepy, who has been acting as QRA chair since July 2023.
State Disaster Recovery Minister Nikki Boyd said Ms Carroll, as one of Queensland’s most decorated public servants, was well equipped to oversee Queensland’s lead agency for disaster recovery and resilience.
Ms Boyd said during her time as Commissioner for the Queensland Police Service (QPS) and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES), Ms Carroll navigated multiple natural disaster events including the 2019 Queensland bushfires, the 2020 North Queensland Monsoon Flood and the 2022 Southern Queensland flooding.
“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,” she said.
QRA CEO Major General Jake Ellwood said Ms Carroll’s work alongside the QRA through multiple crises had given her a great insight into the operation and the challenges involved in immediate disaster relief and achieving long-term recovery.
Joining Ms Carroll as new board appointments are Dr Aysin Dedekorkut-Howes, the Program Director of Urban and Environmental Planning at Griffith University, and Lynette McLaughlin, former Mayor of the Burdekin Shire Council.
Dr Robert Glasser, Brendan Moon, Clare Chapple, Greg Hallam and Deputy Commissioner Chelepy continue as board members.
