CCMA appoints new leaders

CORANGAMITE Catchment Management Authority has two new board members following the retirement of former chair and board director Alice Knight.

South Purrumbete farmer and agribusiness consultant Cath Jenkins is the CCMA’s new chair and board director while former Barwon Water chief financial officer and company secretary Michael Watson is also joining the board.

CCMA CEO John Riddiford said Ms Jenkins offers valuable agribusiness experience and community connections.

“Along with the board and entire staff… I look forward to working alongside Cath to continue to deliver land, water and biodiversity initiatives for the Corangamite region and community,” he said.

“We also warmly welcome the new appointment of Michael Watson. We are pleased to have him joining the authority, and the extensive experience he brings focused on delivering strong governance, financial sustainability, matched with customer service and environmental management.”

During her ten years as chair, Ms Knight received the Landcare Joan Kirner Award, and was recognised for her community service, commitment to the environment, the CFA and the Anglican Church with an Order of Australia Medal.

Mr Riddiford said Ms Knight’s leadership has been insightful, generous and invaluable.

“Her significant contribution to board development, community engagement, sustainable agriculture and natural resource management has underpinned the Corangamite CMA’s vision to deliver healthy and productive lands and water cared for and enjoyed by thriving communities,” he said.

“Alice leaves a lasting legacy, one of listening to and involving the community, and of acknowledging and celebrating the contribution and efforts of landowners in making lasting positive change to our natural landscape.

“Alice has been instrumental in bringing communities along to support the Landcare ethos, including a long and successful program in the Woady Yaloak catchment, demonstrating best practice on the farm that she and her brother, Kevin, manage, and their involvement in agroforestry nationally and internationally.”