A key northern Victorian water lobby group has flagged a leadership change.
Goulburn Murray Irrigation District Water Leadership Forum co-chair David McKenzie has stepped down and his leadership partner, Suzanna Sheed, is also planning to relinquish her position.
Agriculture and banking manager, Andrew Mann, has stepped into a co-chair role, which was settled at the group’s meeting on November 18. Ms Sheed will continue until February next year, when a replacement will be appointed.
Mr McKenzie and Ms Sheed have served almost 10 years in their roles.
While they believe they have some runs on the board with policy wins, Mr McKenzie said it was disappointing to see the Federal Government proceed with water buybacks to make up both the shortfall and the additional 450 Gl of environmental water that had not previously been part of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
“The legislation of late 2023 to give effect to these policies is of great concern to our northern Victorian irrigation communities and puts a question mark over their economic and social future,” he said.
“I am confident that Andrew Mann, who has an extensive engagement with and knowledge of the area, coming from a banking, farm management and agronomy background, will lead the organisation through the next phase of its advocacy.”
The GMID Water Leadership Forum, established in late 2015, was formed following a community meeting at the Unilever factory in Tatura.
The group has been particularly vocal about the devastating effects of water buybacks experienced in previous years.
Ms Sheed said this change in leadership will embed the important role of the forum.
“The absolute necessity of continuing strong advocacy and working with the Victorian Government to ensure a proper transition for our irrigation communities into the future is essential and will remain a key focus of the leadership forum,” she said.
The GMID Water Leadership Forum hosted a Northern Victorian Basin Water Summit in Bendigo in August, attended by the Victorian premier and water minister.
Premier Jacinta Allen told the summit that she understood the profound impact that water buybacks have on the irrigation communities.
Mr Mann is the general manager of Advanced Ag and former general manager of Australian Operations for AC Foods, during which time he managed a 500ha citrus orchard at Barooga.
He previously worked for Rabobank, the Commonwealth Bank and NAB Bank.
He graduated in Applied Science (Agriculture) from Melbourne University’s Dookie College.
A Fairley Leadership graduate, he has served on a number of boards including Murray Dairy.