Dear Editor,
May I request space in your newspaper to convey some thoughts to the local community, in particular shareholders of Murray Irrigation Ltd.
In November 2021 I was honoured to accept appointment as a non-member director of MIL, which is a role I have thoroughly enjoyed, even with some challenging times.
Most importantly, I believe I have made a positive contribution to the company and would welcome the opportunity to continue doing so.
For the past 12 months I have been chair of the board’s Audit and Risk Management Committee and have seen progress made in a number of areas through this role. I have also recently been appointed to the Internal Investment Committee.
As we all know, water management is a complex area and I have worked collaboratively with my fellow MIL directors and the company’s executive over the past three years to improve my understanding, while using my vast experience in agriculture, business and local government to bring a different skillset to the board.
With new director appointments following this year’s general meeting we now have broader diversity on the MIL board, and this is proving of benefit to the company and its shareholders.
In many ways we have done the hard yards and, if reappointed to the board, I look forward to the company continuing the stabilization process, being profitable and delivering water efficiently.
I am proud of what has been achieved and believe shareholders should be aware that we have a robust yet respectful board working hard to ensure your best interests are upheld at all times.
I would certainly be disappointed if not given the opportunity to work with the board over the next three years as we implement necessary policies that will lay the foundations for MIL during and following the government’s inevitable water buyback process.
I have also had the privilege of meeting many shareholders and company stakeholders during my three years on the board and will continue building these networks if, as I hope, I remain on the MIL board.
In conclusion, I would encourage shareholders to learn more about my background and the vast range of experience that I bring to the MIL board, which is available on the MIL website.
Thank you to everyone who has supported me thus far as a non-member director of MIL, in particular those who fought so hard to have myself and Trisha Gorman retained on the board during the general meeting process earlier this year.
There is more work to be done and I am very keen to be part of the journey for at least another three years.
Yours etc.
Robert Burbury
Non-member director
Murray Irrigation Ltd.