Appointments to Melbourne region water boards

Water Minister Peter Walsh today announced the appointment of new directors to the boards of Melbourne’s water corporations, including Westernport Water.

“I am pleased to announce today a number of new appointments and strategic reappointments to the boards of water authorities across the Melbourne region,” Mr Walsh said.

“The new directors will be responsible for driving the Coalition Government’s election policy to restore fairness to domestic water pricing and reward households for water efficiency.

“A Ministerial Advisory Council has been established to deliver a roadmap for a more sustainable and water sensitive urban environment and the new water board members will have a key responsibility to partner with government to implement the new vision.” Mr Walsh said the new appointments were part of 68 made across Victoria today.

This year, a record 630 expressions of interest were submitted to the Department of Sustainability and Environment for review by an independent selection panel.

“The community interest in water is clear – never before have so many applications been received for positions on the boards of Victorian water corporations,” Mr Walsh said.

“Across the 18 boards, the appointees have wide-ranging backgrounds but each has been selected for their relevant skills, experience and demonstrated commitment to integrated water resource management.”

An independent selection panel, comprising stakeholder, local government and industry representatives, undertook the task of short listing, interviewing and recommending candidates for consideration for appointment.

The panel and the Minister considered skills, professional, management and water industry experience, and diversity in determining a balanced composition for each board.
“Today’s appointments achieve a balance of continuity and fresh ideas on our water boards.”

The appointment process is part of the programmed cycle of board renewal. Around half of the positions on each board came up for nomination this year.

Mr Walsh thanked outgoing and retiring board members for their service to Victoria’s water industry.
The new appointments will commence 1 October 2011 and will expire 30 September 2013.

Further information on the new directors is available from each water corporation.