Following more than 12 months of what the Board of G-MW considers to be dysfunctional and ineffective operations, the Board has determined it no longer has confidence in its Pyramid-Boort Water Service Committee's (WSC) ability to fulfil its obligations to irrigators across the region. As a result the Board resolved this week to suspend the operations of the Pyramid-Boort Water Services Committee and to stand down all Committee members until the Board decides the best course of action.
An interim Customer Reference Group will act in place of the WSC at least until the next annual WSC appointments in June 2010. During this period the Board will make a final decision on the future consultative arrangements for customers in the Pyramid-Boort Irrigation Area and the future role of the WSC. Advertisements will appear in local media over coming weeks inviting members of the community to nominate for appointment to an interim Customer Reference Group.
G-MW Chairman Stephen Mills said the Board was disappointed but felt compelled to take this course of action to resolve long standing issues within the Committee and between the Committee and G-MW.
"Customer consultation is vital to navigating the many, very challenging issues before us, but after more than 12 months of difficult relations we have, with disappointment, concluded the working relationship between the Board and the Committee is untenable and no longer in the interests of the broader customer community. I am personally disappointed that this course of action will affect individual committee members who have acted in good faith and in accordance with the role and purpose of the committee," said Mr Mills.
The Chairman met in person with members of the committee this morning to advise of the Board's decision and explained the decision followed an extended period of inappropriate and unacceptable conduct by members of the committee.
"The Board accepts that some members of the community may not agree with our decision, as may members of the committee. The simple fact is we need a committee that can work together and that can work with the Board of G-MW and other stakeholders to represent the best interests of irrigators. The current committee has failed at both levels and the interim Customer Reference Group will take its place while we consider more appropriate options for Pyramid-Boort Irrigation Area customers," said Mr Mills.
Mr Mills said G-MW's Water Services Committees have a long and proud history of providing frank and informed advice to the Board on matters affecting G-MW's operations and strategy.
"As a former WSC member, I wholeheartedly endorse the value of the WSC framework, however this process requires mutual trust, respect and professionalism. Sadly these qualities have been found wanting from this particular committee," said Mr Mills.
The perceived role and value of Water Services Committees within the broader community and to broader policy decision making was also a consideration in the Board's decision.
"Water policies that will define the future for irrigated agriculture across northern Victoria are increasingly determined outside G-MW and even outside Victoria. We cannot allow the conduct of some members of the committee to undermine the opportunity of our other 25 customer committees and more than 100 committee members to actively contribute to and influence the future of their irrigation areas and regions," said Mr Mills.
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Media Contact: Linda Nieuwenhuizen
Position: Manager Stakeholder Relations
Phone; 0412 183 792 or 5833 776