These changes include a new CEO, Lee Miezis, after the previous CEO stood down in November 2024 after the government launched a “comprehensive review” that the Minister for Environment, Steve Dimopoulos, ordered “to advise how the organisation can better serve the needs of Victorians and help them enjoy the great outdoors”.
Mr Miezis, a regional Victorian, comes into the role with a detailed CV, most recently as the CEO of the Victorian EPA, but also with experience in the sustainable use of forest and public land.
Alongside Mr Miezis, PV will also feature new appointments to its Board, helping it move in a new direction, including “ensuring they (Parks) remain accessible and enjoyable for all visitors while protecting the state's natural environment”. These appointments include the new incoming Chair, Daniel Miller, who will be joined by Professor Kate Auty, Graeme (Gus) Dear, Trent Nelson and Chris Newton, while Lisa Marty and Gill Sparkes AM will remain as Board Members.
Of note, Mr Dear was PV's Interim CEO while the independent advisory and restructuring firm Korda Mentha undertook the government-ordered review.
In a positive first statement as PV CEO, Mr Miezis declared, “I look forward to working with the team to ensure access to our beautiful parks, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the benefits of the great outdoors.”
The government's and PV's recurring themes regarding public land and access are welcome. In the past years, access and management of public land estates have been a cause of concern for recreational deer hunters, one of the most significant stakeholders and users of the public land estates under PV’s control.
The Australian Deer Association will continue to advocate and work with government and its agencies for sustainable policy settings regarding wild deer and recreational hunting on public land.
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