New leader for water authority

BARWON Water has promoted a senior employee to the interim managing director role while it continues its search for a permanent new boss.

The water authority’s general manager of infrastructure, technology and transformation Shaun Cumming stepped into the temporary leadership role earlier this month.

Barwon Water finalised the appointment after its previous managing director Tracey Slatter moved on to the chief executive role at the Transport Accident Commission (TAC).

Mr Cumming said he aimed to continue the work of the previous administration in his transition role.

“We are doing some incredible work at Barwon Water with our community and stakeholders to reduce emissions, contribute to a circular economy, look after the environment and support Traditional Owners to care for country all while supplying high quality essential water and sewerage services.

“I look forward to continuing to drive that work in the coming months.”

Barwon Water chair Jo Plummer said Mr Cumming was “well positioned to lead Barwon Water through this period of transition”.

“Over the past six years, Shaun has been an integral part of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) at Barwon Water.

“He has made a significant contribution towards our Strategy 2030 goals through his extensive experience in operations, construction, business development, program delivery and transformation over a 25-year career in the water industry.”

Ms Plummer also paid tribute to Ms Slatter for her six and a half-year tenure at the authority and said appointment of a new leader would build on her contribution.

“In her time here, Barwon Water has made huge strides, recognising its key role in driving regional prosperity, caring for customers and addressing the considerable challenges of climate change and population growth. She has empowered our people to lead, innovate, partner and find ways to solve problems facing our region.

“She has respectfully built relationships with Traditional Owners and other First Nations people, demonstrating her commitment to reconciliation and self-determination. Through doing so, she has embedded this as a core value at Barwon Water, and one which we will proudly continue.

“I’m confident under Shaun’s leadership, our staff’s care, skill and dedication to the delivery of Strategy 2030 will ensure we progress upon our commitments to our community and customers in the coming months, while we undertake an extensive recruitment process, to fill the position.”