Coast Protection Board Members

Mr Paul Caica, Presiding Member

On 1 February 2025 I was appointed the presiding Member of the Coast Protection Board as the Nominee of the Chief Executive for the Department of Environment and Water.

From 2002 – 2018 I served in the South Australian Parliament as the Member for Colton.

During my time in Parliament, I was fortunate enough to work on many committees and as a Minister in numerous portfolios in both the Rann and Weatherill Governments. This included a period where I served as the South Australian Minister for Environment and Conservation, the River Murray, and Water. Since leaving parliament I have remained active in both community and business activities.

I have always believed that Australia’s most important and vital infrastructure is our natural environment. As with all species, we are only as healthy as the environment we inhabit. Having a lifelong commitment to environmental protection, I am both humbled and honoured by my appointment to the Coast Protection Board. I look forward to working with the Board, government departments and the broader community, in protecting, conserving, and sustaining our precious coastline.

Mr James Buder

I have been a member of the Coast Protection Board since 2020 as the nominee of the Chief Executive of the Department of Infrastructure and Transport.

As Director Marine Services, Department for Infrastructure and Transport, my role is to deliver an integrated and coordinated approach to marine infrastructure and services, including the coordination and management of State marine assets, operations and programs; administration of the Harbors and Navigation Act 1993; and management of the maritime safety program, recreational boating facilities and commercial boat yards. I am also the State’s Marine Pollution Controller.

Prior to commencing this role, I held various roles within DIT and have a background in regional and industry development.

Professor Bronwyn Gillanders

I have been a member of the Coast Protection Board since 2019 as the Ministerial appointment with experience and knowledge in biological science and environmental protection.

I am currently Head of School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology at the University of Adelaide, and lead an internationally-recognised research group focusing on environmental issues related to marine, estuarine and freshwater ecology including integrated marine management and microplastics in the marine environment and seafood.

I am a member of the Marine Innovations Southern Australia (MISA) Steering Committee; Goyder Institute for Water Research Management Committee; and Southwest Marine Parks Advisory Committee. I am currently Editor of Fish and Fisheries and Chief Editor of Marine Biology for Frontiers in Marine Science.

I am fascinated by the ecological and environmental insights that the hard parts of marine organisms (e.g. otoliths, bone, shells) can provide, and have a particular interest in coastal habitat restoration and blue carbon opportunities.

Ms Kathryn Galpin

As the nominee of the Chief Executive of the South Australian Tourism Commission, I served as a member of the Coast Protection Board during 2018/2019 and re-joined in July this year.

In my role as Policy Manager at the South Australian Tourism Commission I am responsible for driving priority policy areas that promote the growth and sustainability of the tourism sector in South Australia.

I am experienced in government collaboration, strategic policy and advice, stakeholder management and strategy development, and previously worked with the Department for Environment and Water in National Parks, River Murray and Coorong and Lower Lakes, Fire Management and Nature-based Tourism.

I look forward to supporting the evolution of coastal adaptation planning in South Australia and the benefit it has for all who rely on a thriving and sustainable coastline.

Professor Beverley Clarke

I have been a member of the Coast Protection Board since 2024 as a Ministerial appointment with experience and knowledge in technical problems of coastal protection.

I am a Social Geographer at Flinders University. As a geographer, I've dedicated my research and teaching to exploring the social and cultural significance of coastal and marine environments and their management. Current research interests include examining the social dimensions of coastal climate change adaptation, as well as exploring cultural ecosystem services associated with Blue Carbon.

I have worked throughout Australia with many different stakeholder groups including all tiers of government, NGOs and the community.

I'm excited to be part of the Board and to contributing to the stewardship of our state's coastline. I'm also looking forward to connecting with others who share an interest in South Australia's coastal environments and assets and learning from their insights and experiences.