Cate Hart

Cate Hart is currently the Executive Director for the Environment, Heritage and Sustainability Division within the Department for Environment and Water. This division is responsible for policy and strategy development and administration of legislation, and manages state portfolios which include climate change, flood and coastal management, native vegetation and natural resource management, pastoral lands and built heritage management.  The division facilitates and provides governance support for a range of Boards and Councils including SA Premiers Climate Change Council, Coast Protection Board, Native Vegetation Council, Landscape Boards, Pastoral Board and the Heritage Council.

Cate has had a significant career in local government together with the private sector, most recently holding the position of CEO of the City of Prospect since March 2016. Prior to this, she undertook a CEO role with Wakefield Regional Council where she was very involved in Natural Resource Management and Economic Development; and she has held General Manager roles with the South Australian Local Government Association and City of Playford. 

Cate is passionate about the future of South Australia and has been very involved in supporting the development of staff across local government through the Local Government Professionals Australia (SA Division), and sat on the LG Professionals Board prior to her appointment to the Department for Environment and Water. Cate is also National Vice President of the Planning Institute of Australia National Board, and the South Australian representative on the SA Division. 

Cate brings strong statewide partnerships in both the private sector and local government. She has significant experience in governance, strategy and policy, financial management, development services within urban and regional settings, environmental assessment, and community engagement and advocacy.