State Planning Commission appoints new SCAP members
Published Thursday, 4 June 2026
A new State Commission Assessment Panel (SCAP) has been appointed by the State Planning Commission, bringing a wealth of experience to assessing some of South Australia’s most significant development applications.
SCAP assess and determine development applications of state significance where the State Planning Commission is the relevant authority.
The new independent panel members begin their role from 1 June and have been appointed to 31 May 2029.
Following an open call for expressions of interest earlier this year, the Commission welcomes new Presiding Member Nathan Cunningham and has reappointed David Altmann in his role as Deputy Presiding Member.
The Commission also welcomes new Ordinary Members Emma Barnes, Mario Dreosti, Emily Nankivell and Stuart Headland, and new Occasional Members Greg Vincent, Anita Allen, Emma Herriman, Michael Osborn, Catherine Orford and Julie Jansen to the panel.
Existing Ordinary Member Jenny Newman and Occasional Members Mark Adcock and John Eckert will continue their tenure on the panel.
“I welcome our newest SCAP members and congratulate them on their appointment to the panel. Their breadth and depth of experience complements the extensive knowledge of existing SCAP members,” said Commission Chair Craig Holden.
“I would also like to thank our outgoing SCAP members: Presiding Member Rebecca Rutschack, Ordinary Members Don Donaldson and Paul Leadbeter, and Occasional Members James Hayter, Jamie Botten and Chris Branford for contributing their knowledge and experience to the assessment panel.”
Collectively, the panel members have qualifications and expertise in development assessment, strategic planning, project delivery, local government, urban and landscape design, heritage policy, regional planning, architecture, community engagement, and law.