- Jane Sparkes appointed Deputy Chair, Dr Sally Talbot appointed, and Alex Marsden reappointed to Busselton Water Board
- Long-serving Deputy Chair Christine Kershaw's tenure ended on 31 May
Busselton Water's governance and strategic leadership will be strengthened through Board appointments that bring regulatory, financial, environmental, and legislative experience to the organisation.
Jane Sparkes has been appointed Deputy Chair of the Board in line with her current term while Alex Marsden has been reappointed for another three years. Former South West MLC Dr Sally Talbot has also joined the Board.
Dr Talbot represented the South West region in the Parliament of Western Australia from 2005 to 2025, and served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Environment, Climate Change, and Peel. She also chaired the Vasse Taskforce, bringing strong experience in water and environment government decision-making and regulatory frameworks as well as strong connections within the Busselton region.
Mr Marsden is an economics consultant and brings regulatory, compliance, operational, and strategic expertise across to the utility sector.
Ms Sparkes brings more than 20 years' experience in accounting and advisory roles, with particular expertise in financial management, budgeting, forecasting, and business performance.
The appointments follow the departure of former Deputy Chair Christine Kershaw, whose tenure ended on 31 May. Ms Kershaw made a significant contribution to Busselton Water, including through her membership of the Audit and Risk Committee and her support for the organisation's Reconciliation Action Plan journey.
As stated by Water Minister Don Punch:
"I am pleased to announce the reappointment of Alex Marsden, the appointment of Dr Sally Talbot, and the appointment of Jane Sparkes as Deputy Chair to the Board.
"These three individuals bring a valuable mix of skills in governance, finance, and regulation that will support Busselton Water as it continues to serve the Busselton community.
"I also thank Christine Kershaw for her dedicated service as Deputy Chair and for the valuable contribution she has made to Busselton Water's governance over the years."
