New board brings sound leadership skills to G-MW

Tuesday, 24 May 2011

Water Minister Peter Walsh today announced that a new board has been appointed for Goulburn-Murray Water (G-MW).

The new board is chaired by Llew Vale with Jennifer Dawson, Ian Mansbridge, Dennis Moon, Neil Pankhurst, Sarah Scales and Frank Whitford as directors.

"This board brings a combination of knowledge and expertise in the water industry, primary production, finance, risk management, governance and business," Mr Walsh said.

"I appointed Llew Vale and Jennifer Dawson as members of an interim board in February this year following the resignation of the previous board, and they have played an important part in steering Goulburn-Murray Water back towards business and financial stability.

"Their presence on the new board will provide some continuity and understanding of what is required to secure Goulburn-Murray Water's viability."

Mr Walsh said each board member had specific knowledge which would contribute to planning and sound financial management to benefit all G-MW customers.

• Mr Vale, a beef farmer of Toora, has extensive experience in the water industry and community banking. A former chair of the Victorian Water Industry Association, he was awarded an Order of Australia in 2002 for services to the water industry and the community.
• Ms Dawson of Bendigo has extensive experience in the water industry and financial reporting and auditing. A director of Bendigo Bank, she is also inaugural chair of the Regional Development Australia Committee for the Loddon Mallee Region.
• Mr Pankhurst of Tongala has practical experience in primary production and customer engagement. An irrigator and dairy farmer, he has also has been a councillor and is now mayor of the Shire of Campaspe.
• Mr Mansbridge of Pompapiel has extensive experience in banking and finance. Until 2008, he was head of Special Projects at the Bendigo Bank Ltd and has held a number of director positions within banking, agriculture, food, water and finance organisations.
• Mr Moon of Rochester is a tomato grower and a business owner. He is a former chair of the Australian Tomato Processing Research Council and the tomato representative of Horticulture Australia Limited.
• Ms Scales is a business and risk-management consultant and also owns a mixed farming enterprise near Mansfield. She was previously the general manager, AWB International.
• Mr Whitford of Northwood has valuable experience in senior management and strong governance skills. He is the managing director of a furniture business and a member of the board of PrimeSafe Victoria.

A panel consisting of representatives from local government, stakeholders, the water industry and the Departments of Sustainability and Environment and Treasury and Finance assessed the applications and interviewed suitable applicants.

There was unprecedented interest in these positions, with almost 200 people applying to join the board. The interest received from across the state is a strong endorsement of the Victorian Coalition Government's new direction.

The new board will be responsible for setting strategies, objectives and targets for the benefit of all G-MW's customers.

One of the first tasks of the new board will be to appoint a new managing-director and to re-engage with G-MW's customer base.  It will monitor and assess G-MW's performance and management against the agreed strategies, and responsibly manage significant areas of risk.

The board will be accountable to Government who will work closely with them to restore confidence in Goulburn-Murray Water's operations and the delivery of irrigation services so vital to northern Victoria's prosperity.