New Board members for NECMA

New Board members for the North East Catchment Management Authority have been appointed for the next three years, the Minister for Environment and Water John Thwaites announced today.

Mr Thwaites said the Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is a key body in the management of land and water resources across the region.

“The CMA provides an important link with local communities, bringing people together to work in partnership with local, state and federal governments to address important environmental issues,” Mr Thwaites said.

“Sustainable irrigation, water quality, river health, weeds and pest, salinity control and native vegetation management are just some of the ongoing challenges tackled by the CMA’s.”

“The CMA administers substantial resources on behalf of State government and helps make sure that land and water use in each particular catchment is sustained for the benefit of future Victorians – it’s a very important responsibility.”

“We all know that a healthy environment provides the livelihoods and lifestyle that all Victorians expect and depend on.”

Mr Thwaites said that Board members have broad experience ranging from strategic planning and organisational governance through to environmental management and community engagement.

“Being a Board member requires a lot of commitment and hard work, but at the same time is very rewarding as it is an ideal way to help lead Victoria into a sustainable future.”

“We are very confident that the mix of Board members we have appointed for the next three years will admirably fulfill their responsibilities.”

Ms Sarah Nicholas, reappointed Chairperson of the North East Catchment Management Authority, said that she was honoured to have the opportunity to continue to lead a team dedicated to protecting and improving the natural resources in the region.

“During the next three years, the board will work with communities to develop the strategic direction for the north east catchment,” Ms Nicholas said.

“We will undertake practical actions with local landholders, community organisations and researchers across the region to address issues such as water quality, salinity, and biodiversity,”
“We will concentrate on delivering direct improvements to the land and on engaging with the community to support practice change and to identify ways to address increasingly erratic climatic conditions.”

“There is a great mix of skills and experience on the Board and I look forward to a productive three years that will see this catchment prosper, both economically and environmentally.”

Mr Thwaites thanked the outgoing Board members for their contribution to the work of the CMA and its achievements to date.

-----ends-----

Board Members

Please note for further information on Board members or to organise an interview, please contact North East CMA Communications Officer Maryanne Scully on (02) 6043 7600.

· Ms Sarah Nicholas (Chair)
· Ms Lynette Coulston
· Mr Anthony Griffiths
· Mr Gregory Hayes
· Dr Terence Hillman
· Mr Anthony Jarvis
· Mr Raymond Park
· Mr Peter Roper
· Ms Rhonda Serpell
· Mr Brian Thompson (DPI)
· Kevin Ritchie (DSE)