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Home > About us > Our structure

About Us

Our structure

There are five divisions within the Department of Natural Resources. Two divisions are specifically natural resource–focused, reflecting our key areas of operation. The other three divisions provide specialist services to support natural resource management in NSW. In addition to these five divisions, the Director General receives direct support from the Corporate Counsel and the Director of Executive Services.

Director General

Richard Sheldrake

Dr Richard Sheldrake was appointed Director-General, Department of Natural Resources in October 2005. Prior to this, Dr Sheldrake was Deputy Director–General of NSW Department of Primary Industries (2004-2005), Director General NSW Agriculture (2002-2004), and Chief Executive NSW Rural Assistance Authority (2002-2006). Currently, Dr Sheldrake is a Commissioner of the Murray Darling Basin Commission, and a member of the Chief Executive Committee, the Natural Resource Management Chief Executive Officers Committee, and the Minister's Natural Resource Advisory Council.

Water Management

Executive Director: David Harriss

Role: DNR's main role in water management is the allocation of NSW's water resources to various users including industry, utilities, communities, and the environment. This balanced approach to water allocation is aimed at providing water for regional economic growth, whilst at the same time improving the condition of rivers, wetlands and aquifers.

Landscapes and CMA Support

Executive Director: Geoff Fishburn

Role: DNR's role is to maintain or improve the condition of soil and vegetation, and maintain or improve the extent of native vegetation, in NSW. The Department also manages the State's vulnerable coastal and flood-prone areas so as to improve the condition of NSW's coastal environments and minimise losses from flooding, coastal erosion, and other hazards.

Compliance and Licensing

Executive Director: Steve Dunn

Role: This division ensures that the state-wide regulation of natural resources complies with 'best practice' standards, and plays a vital role in delivering DNR's water and native vegetation regulatory functions.

Science and Information

Executive Director: Len Banks

Role: This division ensures that decision making across the Department is based on the best available science, and is responsible for knowledge and information management and for providing best available science to natural resource management decision makers.

Corporate Services

Executive Director: Glenn Smith

Role: This division provides corporate services (finance and administration, human resources, assets and information technology) to the Department of Natural Resources as well as to external clients such as the Department of Planning and Catchment Management Authorities. Its work ensures that DNR and other agencies are supported in delivering results for the people of NSW.