Geoscience Australia has announced the appointment of Maree Wilson as the new Chief of Place and Communities Division.

Wilson has been the Branch Head of Geoscience Australia’s (GA) Digital Earth Branch and its predecessors since 2020. She has more than 20 years’ experience in the spatial industry, across the public, defence and private sectors.

“Maree brings with her a passion for using spatial data to solve problems and is a recognised leader in her field,” said GA’s CEO, Dr James Johnson.

“Her broad networks across the Australian and international spatial, marine, Antarctic and emergency management communities are a strong foundation for her new role as Chief of the Place and Communities Division.”

The Place and Communities Division encompasses a variety of functions, including marine and Antarctic geoscience, spatial and location science and data, and community safety services. The Division is central to Geoscience Australia’s role as the trusted source of information on Australia’s Earth sciences.

Wilson says the Division has a pivotal role to play in driving innovation to shape a location-enabled future for Australia, by facilitating informed decision-making by governments, industries and communities alike.

“In today’s dynamic landscape, access to timely and trusted data is critical. From assisting communities in mitigating bushfire risks to informing marine zone planning based on ecological, economic, and social considerations, our Division’s insights enable stakeholders to make smarter place-based decisions,” Ms Wilson said.