Military and defence industry veteran Margot Forster leads SA’s long-term economic and social recovery from the bushfires
The bushfire recovery project on Kangaroo Island and in the Adelaide Hills has gained a new chief, Margot Forster, who will oversee distribution of government funds to those regions.
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Military and defence industry veteran Margot Forster has been appointed to develop a blueprint for SA’s long-term economic and social recovery from the bushfire disaster.
Ms Forster, who was included in The Advertiser’s Ceiling Smashers series of remarkable SA women for a career that has included defence roles in the Middle East and Washington, will now immediately step into the position of State Lead Disaster Rebuilding and Resilience.
She will oversee co-ordination of federal, state and local government funds and liaise with major non-government donors to support rebuilding in both regions.
Expert departmental staff will offer support where required.
The rebuilding and resilience effort is also set to evaluate community ideas for assistance that have already come forward, like calls to subside the Kangaroo Island ferry or stamp duty exemptions for people who’ve lost property. Ms Forster said she was honoured to take the role.
“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.”
Premier Steven Marshall said the KI and Hills communities were “dealing with extraordinary tragedy and loss right now, but SA is rallying behind them”.
“There will be many ideas as to how best to assist the economic and social rebuild of the affected communities and Margot Foster will have an important role in assessing the viability of those suggestions,” he said. “It’s critical we ensure our regions get the help and support they need to be back up and running.”