That was the primary theme of Murray Irrigation Limited’s postponed annual general meeting, finally held in Deniliquin on Friday.
At the meeting, chair Noel Baxter outlined key company initiatives and his excitement for the future of the company.
“There are some amazing initiatives in the works for Murray Irrigation over the next few years,” he said.
“One of these is the Murray Reconnected Floodplains Project, which will rehabilitate thousands of kilometres of riparian systems and wetlands through the Murray floodplain landscape, targeting at risk ecosystems.
“We are currently working through the grant process of securing the funding for stage four of the five stage project.
“The company is also exploring ways to minimise the risk of Murray Irrigation forfeiting carryover water from its bulk licence, maximising the utilisation of the water and enhancing revenue opportunities.
“As part of this we are looking into the viability of a ‘bulk licence parking product’ as part of a Snowy Hydro licence review.
“From an overall business strategy perspective, Murray Irrigation’s board, CEO and senior management team have been working through a business review to develop a strategy of modernisation and corporate governance for the company that will deliver value to all stakeholders of the business, including shareholders, customers, staff, the community and the environment.
“Once the board has set a clear direction, shareholders will be engaged and consulted with.
“I truly believe we have the right team in place - from ground level staff all the way to the board - to make Murray Irrigation a company that shareholders, customers, staff and our communities are proud to say that they are a part of.”
Stability at a board level is key to achieving business goals, a sentiment clearly reflected by shareholders with the two special resolutions relating to the appointment of non-member directors Trisha Gorman and Robert Burbury approved at the meeting.
“Robert and Trisha are very experienced individuals, and their specialist skills will be essential to assist the company with its modernisation goals over the next few years,” said company secretary Nathan Holahan.
“We’re thrilled to see shareholders share our views on the two non-shareholder directors, and although we’re disappointed the other four special resolutions were not passed, we value and respect the input and opinions of our shareholders.
“Shareholder participation and engagement is vital to company success.
“We have noticed over the years, shareholder participation in our annual general meeting is declining and our focus leading up to the 2023 AGM will be on engaging more of the shareholder base to increase participation, especially the younger generation.
“We’ve already tabled a few options to achieve this, and shareholders will be consulted as part of the process to ensure the company continues on the right path.”
You can view the final poll declaration from the AGM on the company website, murrayirrigation.com.au.
13°C