The Andrews Labor Government has appointed David McKenzie as a new board member of the Goulburn Murray Water (GMW) Board.
Mr McKenzie will help the transition GMW towards a new model that will improve business operations, keep water prices as affordable as possible for customers and support the growth of the irrigation district.
Mr McKenzie brings a wealth of experience to the role as a qualified valuer specialising in agricultural property and water entitlements, and the current Chair of the North East Water Board.
He also holds significant roles as Director of the Committee for Greater Shepparton, Chair of the Goulburn Regional Partnership and Minister for Regional Development’s state-wide Advisory Committee, and as Managing Director of Opteon Property Group – which employs nearly 50 staff across northern Victoria.
Mr McKenzie is also the co-convenor of the Goulburn-Murray Irrigation District (GMID) Water Leadership Forum, which has done significant work over the last few years highlighting the importance of Basin Plan outcomes that best benefit irrigation communities in the GMID.
Mr McKenzie’s skills and experience will help the Board continue its implementation of the recommendations from the Strategic Advisory Panel report by 2020.
In August the Labor Government appointed Diane James as the new chair of the Board, replacing retiring board member Gayle Lee, who will continue in her role as a board member of the North East Water Board. Ms Lee has provided an enormous contribution to the board since being appointed in 2016.
The transformation of GMW is a key priority for the Labor Government to ensure continued investment and growth in the irrigation district to support jobs and vibrant regional communities.
As noted by Minister for Water Lisa Neville
"David McKenzie will play a key role in transforming and supporting Goulburn Murray Water to meet the needs of households and irrigators across the region."
"We’re supporting Goulburn Murray Water as it transitions to a new business model to keep water prices affordable for customers, boost investment and support the jobs and growth across the district."
