New CEO for Cape York NRM

The new CEO of Cape York Natural Resource Management has hit the ground running with a trip north to meet the team in our Cooktown office. 

Adam Sadler began his appointment on Monday (26 Sept) at our Atherton office, taking over from interim CEO and NRM stalwart Bob Frazer, before he headed to Cooktown on Wednesday, where he was also welcomed by Councillor Marilyn Morris. 

The chartered environmental engineer and former senior manager within Local Government, brings more than 20 years experience in leadership roles in North Queensland and has overseen diverse delivery teams ranging from Natural Resource Management, Civil Works, Parks and Open Spaces, Environmental Health, Regulatory Services, Community Services and Relations, Major Events, Emergency Management and Tourism.

“Having grown up in Far North Queensland I am happy to be back in the region and look forward to applying my skills and knowledge to help protect Cape York landscapes, grow our community and sustain the economic diversity of the region,” he said.

“The Natural Resource Management sector is gaining national significance as a reliable and effective source of ensuring on-the-gound, proven project delivery designed to improve the biodiversity and health of Country.

“Our work in fire management, protection of threatened species, weed control and feral animal management, water quality improvement and agricultural innovation are becoming ever more important as the State of the Environment Report reveals dire predictions as the impacts of climate change take effect.

“I look forward to steering the organisation into new and emerging areas, and continuing to strengthen our position as a key facilitator for delivery projects across the Cape.”

Adam has managed significant projects and events including:

• organisational pandemic response; 
• major organisational change; 
• capital project delivery; 
• working with agribusiness on the fight against Panama TR4 desease; 
• key sponsor for development of an innovative Reconciliation Action Plan; and 
• management of 2,400ha of open space including more than 310 parks.

Chair of Cape York NRM Board of Directors Sally Gray said the new appointment was a coup for the organisation. 

“Adam's record of forging strong relationships with stakeholders including Indigenous communities, environmental bodies, government agencies and others, will provide Cape York NRM with a clear, robust pathway going forward.

“We are facing an important time in the Cape York NRM governance calendar, with director nominations and assessments underway.

“The Board is excited about the prospect of Adam’s leadership and we look forward to working with him to build a strong and vital organisation to serve the Cape York Peninsula,” she said.

“I would also like to thank Bob Frazer, who stepped into the position while we looked at CEO candidates and applied his extensive knowledge and vision to guide us.

“Bob was the founder of Cape York NRM over 12 years ago and continues to play an important role across numerous bodies in the Environment and NRM sectors. We wish him well.