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Applications Open For More Diverse Water Boards

24 March 2017

Minister for Water Lisa Neville has reminded Victorians that expressions of interest for board vacancies across the state’s 19 water corporations are still open.

Victorians who possess skills in small, medium or large businesses, skills and experience in land, water, financial and infrastructure management or experience in community engagement are encouraged to apply.

The Andrews Labor Government is continuing to drive an all-inclusive appointment process for the state’s water corporations with the aim of increasing the number of skilled female and indigenous members at board level.

The Labor Government's policy is to ensure women are better represented on boards - with a requirement of reaching 50 per cent representation.

The process is aimed at ensuring water boards better reflect the diversity of the communities in which they operate.

Board directors come from all walks of life, including farmers, small business owners, project managers and other professionals.

Water corporation boards play an important role in overseeing the management of the state’s water services, while the Labor Government’s Water for Victoria plan emphasises the importance and value of gender equity in the water sector and the need to increase the involvement of Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Victorians.

Vacancies also exist on the boards of Victoria's 10 Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs), which are responsible for the planning and management of land, water and biodiversity across the state.

The board renewal process comes after Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) announced it is looking to appoint the first Aboriginal Commissioner for the Victorian Environment Water Holder.

The inclusion of indigenous Australians on water corporation boards, CMAs and the VEWH opens up exciting and rewarding opportunities for Aboriginal communities and further emphasises the importance of building a diverse and inclusive culture for productive partnerships and positive community engagement.

Expressions of interests for the water corporation and catchment management positions close on 3 April 2017, while the VEHW Commissioner position is open until April 10.

More information on board vacancies and expressions of interest at: delwp.vic.gov.au/onboard

Quotes attributable to Minister for Water Lisa Neville

“We are promoting inclusiveness and equality in its appointment process for the state’s water boards and we are excited by the prospect of the first Aboriginal Commissioner for the Victorian Environment Water Holder.”

“We hope this position can better incorporate traditional values into the management of the state’s water entitlements.”

“Our last water board appointment process saw an equal number of men and women appointed and we will strive to ensure this happens again.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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