Four community members with extensive experience in irrigation and agriculture have been appointed to complete the Murray Irrigation Limited Board.
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They include former MIL chair Noel Graham, along with Geoff McLeod, Gabrielle Coupland and Leanne Small.
The appointments were necessary following the departures of shareholder directors Steve Fawns, Troy Mauger and Brendan Barry from the board last month.
It followed an unsuccessful attempt by the departing trio to have the board’s non-shareholder directors removed.
Put to a shareholder vote on April 10, the requisitioning directors said they would tender their resignations if the votes were lost.
These resignations were enacted as soon as the meeting ended.
The new board members join chairman Phil Snowden, deputy chair Lachlan Marshall and independents Robert Burbury and Trisha Gorman on the board.
Leanne Small.
As per the company constitution, and as communicated throughout the board director nomination process, shareholders will be given the opportunity to ratify the appointments of the new directors at Murray Irrigation's 2024 annual general meeting in November.
Mr Snowden said he was thankful with the high level of interest the director positions attracted, was very impressed with the calibre of the applicants and the rigour and expertise brought to the selection process by the independent selection committee.
“We received nine applications for the vacant positions, which included both member and non-member applications," Mr Snowden said.
“The independent selection committee conducted thorough interviews with candidates against a defined set of criteria to present the board with a strong shortlist.
Noel Graham.
“Although the process took a week longer than originally anticipated, the extra time was necessary for the committee to meticulously interview all applicants and for the board to review in detail all applications, conduct interviews with the shortlisted candidates and reach an informed decision.
“After undertaking our own due diligence, we are pleased the board’s view very much aligned with that of the selection committee.
“We feel confident this merit-based approach to the director selection process will bring value and stability to the board and the company.
“On behalf of the company, I would like to congratulate the new directors on their appointments to the Murray Irrigation board.
“These four talented individuals will each bring an outstanding set of skills, and we look forward to working together as a board to achieve the best possible outcomes for the company, shareholders, customers and the broader community.”
Mr Snowden also thanked selection committee members Robbie Sefton, Chris Kelly and Jennie Grigg for their “service to Murray Irrigation and the professionalism and insight they brought to the director recruitment process”.
Further information about the company’s four new Directors will be made available on the company website in the coming days.
The first official meeting of the new Board will be held on Monday.
“Prior to next Monday’s proceedings, Geoff, Gabrielle, Leanne and Noel will spend a number of hours with the current board of directors, as well as members of the company's executive leadership team,” Mr Snowden said.
“This will give them the opportunity to ask questions and delve into the details so they have an in depth understanding of the company and its overall strategy, so as to be properly informed prior to their first meeting.”
For any questions relating to the appointment of the new directors, please contact the company secretary on 1300 138 265 or companysecretary@murrayirrigation.com.au.
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