The new North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) Board has commenced its term guiding natural resource management in this region in a time of significant challenge and opportunity.

The Board, which comprises five new and four continuing members appointed by the Victorian Minister for the Environment and Climate Change, is chaired by Geoff Williams from Tyntynder. Mr Williams brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the North Central CMA, having been extensively involved in water issues and community engagement over the past 15 years. This includes three years as Chair of the Torrumbarry Reconfiguration and Asset Modernisation Strategy and six years as Chair of Goulburn-Murray Water’s Torrumbarry Water Services Committee.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to Chair the North Central CMA. The Board has a combination of new and continuing members, which provides us with corporate knowledge as well as fresh ideas,” Mr Williams said. “One of the new Board’s priorities is renewing the Regional Catchment Strategy. We will also be focusing on opportunities to attract investment into the region so that the North Central CMA can build on the direction set by the previous Board.

“The ongoing dry conditions continue to provide us with many challenges, but also provide an opportunity to make changes to how we manage the region’s natural environment,” Mr Williams said. “I would like to pay tribute to the recently retired Chairman of the North Central CMA, Dr Ian MacBean, who made a huge contribution to the organisation throughout his six-year term.

North Central CMA Board members

Geoff Williams (Tyntynder): Chair

Christine Brooke (Pyramid Hill): has extensive experience in land and water resources management and primary industry. Christine is self-employed, running her own farming enterprise, and is the Mayor of Loddon Shire. Christine is a new appointee to the Board.

Jane Holt (St Arnaud): holds qualifications in applied science (including winemaking), and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Jane is employed part-time as a viticulturalist, winemaker and manager at Berrys Bridge Vineyard & Winery and is a self-employed bookkeeper. Jane has been a Board member since 2006.

John Learmonth (Gisborne): holds qualifications in rural science, agriculture and education, with extensive experience in land, waterway, and natural resources management and primary industry. John is self-employed as managing partner of Mt Gisborne Cherries and is a new appointee to the Board.

Jock Leishman (Ullina): has been a self-employed owner/operator of his family farm for 35 years, consisting of large-scale wool production, meat production, agro forestry, seed and cereal grain production. Jock has extensive experience in land and natural resources management and primary industry. Jock has been a Board member since 2006.

Melanie McCarthy (Bendigo): holds qualifications in the arts, and engineering. Melanie is Technical Manager at AGD Operations Pty Ltd and has extensive experience in land, environment and natural resources management, primary industry as well as strategic and business planning. Melanie is a new appointee to the Board

Stuart McLean (Wycheproof): has been a farmer in this region for more than 40 years and is a Buloke Shire Councillor. Stuart has experience in land, waterway and natural resources management, primary industry, business planning and financial management. Stuart has been a Board member since 2000.

Don Naunton (Bendigo): holds qualifications in agricultural science and is an agricultural consultant. Don has extensive experience in land and water resources management, water industry and primary industry. Don is a new appointee to the Board.

Jenny Williams (Echuca): holds qualifications in secondary teaching. Jenny is Director/Bookseller at Tangled Garden Bookshop and is employed part-time as a school teacher. Jenny has been a Board member since 2006.

North Central CMA Chief Executive Officer, Damian Wells, looks forward to working with the new Board in facing the challenges ahead. “Geoff has been appointed for an initial two-year term and I am looking forward to working closely with Geoff and the new Board to achieve the best environmental outcomes for this region.”

The North Central CMA works to protect and improve rivers and the natural environment in North Central Victoria.

For further information please contact: 

Communications Officer, North Central CMA
PO Box 18, Huntly VIC 3551
t: 03 5448 7124
e: info@nccma.vic.gov.au