The Minister for Climate Change, Cassy O'Connor, today announced the appointment of nine new members to the Tasmanian Climate Action Council (TCAC), including the new Chair, Professor Lesley Hughes.

"It is extremely important that Tasmania has a knowledgeable and influential TCAC to advise the Government on critical climate change issues," Ms O'Connor said.

"In making these new appointments to the TCAC, I sought a range of skills and expertise from the community, scientific and government sectors, as was recommended in the recent independent review of the Council.

"The new Chair, Professor Hughes, has a great depth of experience and knowledge in climate change issues that will be a tremendous asset to the TCAC.

"As Head of the Department of Biological Sciences at Macquarie University, Professor Hughes is an expert on the impacts of climate change on species and ecosystems.

"She was a lead author on the United Nation's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fourth Assessment Report and is a member of the Climate Commission.

"Professor Hughes takes on the role of Chair at a time when Tasmania has the opportunity to be a leader in transitioning to a low carbon economy," said Ms O'Connor.

"I will meet with the Council in July to discuss priorities including how we reach our emissions target, community engagement and adapting to the impacts of climate change." 

The other eight new appointments to the TCAC are:

·        Jess Feehley (Deputy Chair) - a solicitor and founding member of the Tasmanian Coastal Alliance.

·        Dr Nick Towle - a medical doctor with expertise in sustainable health and living.

·        Dr James Risbey - a scientist with CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research.

·        Dr Thomas Moore - an oceanographer and science communicator.

·        Chris Harries - a renewable energy expert and leader of community based climate change action.

·        Professor Jan McDonald - an environmental lawyer with the University of Tasmania.

·        Dr Anna Lyth - an urban sustainability and regional planning expert with the University of Tasmania.

·        Greg Johannes - Deputy Secretary (Policy) in the Department of Premier and Cabinet.

The new appointments will join existing TCAC member, Paul Gilding, on the Council.

For more information on the Tasmanian Climate Action Council visit: www.climatechange.tas.gov.au