FENNER CONFERENCE ON THE ENVIRONMENT

PANEL DISCUSSION: How does national policy impinge on local and regional water management?
Mr Jon Black

Jon Black is the inaugural Executive Director of the Council of Mayors South-East Queensland (SEQ), which was established in 2005. He has been instrumental in establishing the organisation as the peak advocacy body for SEQ local governments.

The Council of Mayors (SEQ) represents the 18 local governments from the Gold Coast to Noosa, including Brisbane, and west to Toowoomba. By leading significant regional initiatives, the organisation influences federal and state government policy and funding priorities. These include securing the region's water supply, next generation telecommunications, improved roads, and sustainable economic development.

Jon's experience in strategic planning, leadership and management has assisted SEQ local governments in responding to the current drought and the impacts of population growth on the water supply crisis. He is a graduate of the Universities of New South Wales and USMC in Virginia, USA, the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and the Royal Military College, Duntroon.