Environment Minister Stephen Dawson has today welcomed Professor Matthew Tonts as the Environmental Protection Authority's (EPA) new Chair.
Professor Tonts was successful in his nomination as Member and Chair of the EPA Board for a term of five years beginning January 18, 2021. He joins Deputy Chair Lee McIntosh and board members Professor Fiona Haslam McKenzie, Mr Glen McLeod and Dr Jenny Pope.
Professor Tonts has extensive professional experience spanning Western Australia's environmental, regional, higher education and research sectors and has held a diverse range of board positions including with the Planning and Transport Research Centre, the Centre for Social Impact and the Australia Day Council of WA.
Since 2017, Professor Tonts has been Executive Dean of the University of Western Australia's Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Education and was formerly Head of UWA's School of Earth and Environment and Director of the Institute for Regional Development.
Professor Tonts is internationally known for his expertise in environmental geography, regional environments, rural communities and spatial planning. In 2020 he was elected a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia.
The EPA Board is an independent Authority comprised of five members, which provides government with independent advice and environmental recommendations. Board members are appointed by the Governor of Western Australia, on the nomination of the Environment Minister.
As stated by Environment Minister Stephen Dawson:
"I am pleased to welcome Professor Matthew Tonts as the new Chair of the EPA. Professor Tonts brings a wealth of experience to the role and will lead a valuable force in environmental impact assessment in this State.
"I would like to acknowledge and thank former Chair Dr Tom Hatton who completed his term last month. His commitment to the Authority and this State is commendable."
