New appointments to Victorian water boards
Water Minister Peter Walsh today announced the appointment of 55 directors to Victoria's 19 water corporation boards, including Melbourne Water.
"Board directors play an important role in overseeing the management of our water resources," Mr Walsh said.
"Delivery of water resources is vital to Victoria's industries, to the economic wellbeing of the state and to the world-recognised liveability of Melbourne and our communities."
Mr Walsh said water boards were driven to build strong partnerships with their communities and customers, to deliver high quality and sustainable water services to their regions.
"Each of the 55 board directors appointed today will play an important role in setting the strategic direction of their authorities, implementing proper governance and sound financial management and delivering fairer water prices for households under Water Plan Three," Mr Walsh said.
"This year, more than 440 expressions of interest were received from a diverse range of highly skilled individuals willing to serve their community on a water board.
"I am delighted to announce the appointment of three new water authority chairs, business executive Paul Clark to lead Melbourne Water, Australian Water Association chair Lucia Cade at Western Water and the elevation of existing director Trevor Nink as chair of Westernport Water.
"Doug Shirrefs of South East Water, Jeremy Johnson of Central Highlands Water and Richard McDowell from Gippsland Water have all been re-appointed chairs for their respective authorities and I congratulate them on their contributions.
"Each year as board director's terms expire, an expression of interest process is undertaken to replace the expiring director's positions. This ensures a balance of fresh ideas with continuity in the strategic direction of water corporations.
"The Coalition Government has prioritised strong regional representation for the authorities servicing rural and regional communities.
"Local people understand local issues and they understand what is important to customers in their area, and they are well placed to make a difference to the water services that are delivered locally," Mr Walsh said.
Across Victoria's 19 water boards, 21 members have been reappointed and there are 34 new appointments.
Today's appointments are part of the regular cycle of board renewal. In 2011, 77 directors were appointed to Victoria's water boards with terms expiring on 30 September 2013.
Mr Walsh thanked outgoing board chairs and directors for their service to their communities and the water industry.
The new appointments commence on 1 October 2012 and will expire on 30 September 2015.
Further information on the new directors will be available from relevant water corporations.
Metropolitan Region Water Board Appointments 2012
Melbourne Water
Paul Clark – Chairman
Richard McKinnon
Garry Smith
Janice van Reyk
City West Water
Peter McKeown
Fiona Pearse
Yarra Valley Water
Sue Friend (re-appointment)
Stephen McArthur
South East Water
Doug Shirrefs – Chairman (re-appointment)
Ross Passalaqua (re-appointment)
Megan Boston
Evy Papadopoulos
Western Water
Lucia Cade – Chairman
Russell Anderson (re-appointment)
Russell Cooper
Miranda Douglas-Crane
