Kiersten Fishburn has been appointed the new Secretary of the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE).
Ms Fishburn moves into the role having spearheaded DPIE’s Planning Delivery Unit, which moves complex projects through the planning system faster, while also recently leading the Office of Local Government.
“Ms Fishburn has an outstanding track record working across state and local government and will bring a wealth of experience to this new role,” NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian said.
“She has proven to be a very efficient operator during her time leading the Planning Delivery Unit, accelerating more than 600 complex planning matters resulting in more than $57 billion in economic benefit.”
NSW Planning Minister, Rob Stokes said Ms Fishburn would be taking the reins at one of the most crucial periods in the state’s history.
“The NSW Government’s pandemic response and planning reform agenda are in full flight, and I look forward to working with Ms Fishburn as we accelerate that work over the coming months,” he said.
“She will be carrying on the work of outgoing Secretary Jim Betts, who made an outstanding contribution bringing together various Department and government agencies to form the DPIE cluster.”
Ms Fishburn brings more than 20 years of experience to the role, having previously worked as the CEO of Liverpool City Council and served as a board member across a range of sectors.
She will commence the role of Secretary at the end of October.
