CMA appoints Dr Amber Clarke as CEO

Dr Amber Clarke

Dr Amber Clarke has been appointed chief executive of the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA).

Ms Clarke comes to the role from the position of Acting CEO at the East Gippsland CMA.

Prior to that she was Director, Waterway Programs at the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action for seven years. As Director Waterway Programs, Ms Clarke worked in partnership with Victoria’s CMAs, Melbourne Water and the Victorian Environmental Water Holder to oversee statewide policy, programs, investment, monitoring and reporting to improve the health of rivers, estuaries and wetlands across Victoria.

“I am excited to join the Corangamite CMA,” Ms Clarke said.

“The opportunity to live and work in the Corangamite region is an exciting one, with its exceptional natural values, diverse ecosystems and dynamic communities and the challenges posed by a rapidly growing population, a changing climate and impacts on waterway and catchment health.”

“Amber comes to us with a wealth of knowledge and expertise,” Corangamite CMA Chair Kath Jenkins said.

“With 14 years’ experience in the Victorian government, Amber has overseen the development and implementation of significant policy frameworks and programs for waterway and catchment management, including securing major government investment in the sector.

“Amber has also dedicated herself to environmental science, having a PhD in freshwater ecology from Monash University studying biodiversity of macroinvertebrates in headwater stream networks.”

Outgoing chief executive John Riddiford will be handing over the reins at the completion of his contract in early September 2023. He will be moving on to part-time international work and is looking forward to travelling and taking on voluntary work.