Today Mr George Warne has been appointed a part-time member of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority.
“Mr Warne is highly respected across the water sector for his substantial expertise and knowledge in water and natural resource management, river operations and irrigated agriculture,” said Senator Simon Birmingham, Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment.
“Mr Warne has been appointed for a four year term and will bring a practical understanding of water issues to the Authority, which will be particularly important during the implementation phase of the Basin Plan,” Senator Birmingham said.
Mr Warne’s extensive background in water resource management includes prior roles as CEO and Project Director of the Northern Victorian Irrigation Renewal Program, Managing Director of the NSW State Water Corporation and CEO of Murray Irrigation Limited. Mr Warne was also the National Vice President of the Australian National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage.
“The Abbott Government is committed to the implementation of the Basin Plan, on time and in full,” Senator Birmingham said.
“For our Government the priorities embedded within this commitment are to ensure the Murray-Darling’s food and fibre industries remain vibrant and sustainable, and that the river system on which they rely is restored to good health for the long term,” he said.
Mr Warne’s appointment completes the membership of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, an independent expert-based organisation, comprising a part-time Chair, a full-time Chief Executive and four part-time members.
Mr Warne is one of the two appointees to the Authority nominated by State Ministers within the Murray-Darling Basin.