Minister for Water Security Karlene Maywald said Ms McLeod would lead policy development across Government to ensure the long-term security of the State’s water supplies to meet economic, environmental and social goals.

“She will lead the Office for Water Security, supporting me in driving South Australia’s commitments under the National Water Initiative, coordinating the development of the Murray Futures Project and developing a state-wide water security plan,” she said.

“Ms McLeod is highly qualified for the role and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the water and energy sector.

“In particular, she has experience in the development and delivery of sustainable water supply strategies and innovative infrastructure projects in the areas of water recycling, desalination, irrigation modernisation and conservation measures.

“She also has significant experience in National Water Initiative design and implementation, intergovernmental negotiations, water resource planning and water market development.”

Ms McLeod will also be Deputy Chair of the State’s Water Security Council.

She is currently Director of the National Water Group within KPMG, and has previously held senior executive roles within the Victorian Government.

Ms McLeod was selected as one of the 1000 participants for the Prime Minister’s Australia 2020 summit on the population, sustainability, climate change and water panel.

Until this week, the Office of Water Security has been headed by an acting Commissioner, Professor Rob Lewis.