Christine Barrett appointed Chair of the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust Board, succeeding Niall Blair after nearly six years of service.
The NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT) congratulates Christine Barrett on her appointment as Chair of the BCT Board, commencing 7 October 2026 for a term of four years, following her appointment by the Minister for the Environment, the Hon Penny Sharpe MLC.
Ms Barrett has served as Deputy Chair since December 2022. She brings 40 years of experience in environmental law and has previously served on the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Board and chaired the Assessment Review Committee for Native Vegetation.
She succeeds the Hon Niall Blair, whose term ended on 6 October. After nearly six years on the BCT Board, first as a member and then as Chair, Mr Blair has decided to retire from the Board following the conclusion of his current appointment.
Under Mr Blair’s leadership, the Board developed the BCT’s current Business Plan, which aims to increase permanent conservation areas on privately managed land to more than 700,000 hectares, which is equivalent in size to Kosciusko National Park. The previous plan exceeded its targets, delivering an additional 254,000 hectares of conservation and 400 new private land conservation agreements registered on title.
Mr Blair has advocated for Indigenous representation on the Board and has been an ambassador for private land conservation across NSW. Importantly, Mr Blair has also championed supporting landholders in the delivery of private land conservation outcomes.
The BCT also congratulates Board Member, Mr Tim King, on his reappointment to the Board and is looking forward to welcoming new Board Members when current recruitment processes are finalised.
Mr Anthony Lean, Secretary, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, said Ms Barrett’s experience would support the BCT’s work with landholders across the state.
“Christine brings deep knowledge of environmental law and strong Board experience to this role. I look forward to working with her as the BCT continues to support landholders to protect and enhance biodiversity on private land.
“I also thank Niall for his leadership and dedication. He leaves behind an organisation that is well placed to continue to achieve its purpose and goals, which in turn will help leave a natural legacy that future generations can continue to enjoy.”
The Hon Niall Blair, departing BCT Board Chair, said: “It has been a pleasure to serve on the Board of the BCT and I thank the Minister, the Secretary, my fellow Board members, the Chief Executive Officer, staff and our landholders for the opportunity to contribute to this important work. As I conclude my term, I am confident that the Board, led by Christine, and the BCT, are well positioned to build on their achievements and will continue to deliver positive outcomes for biodiversity conservation into the future.”
