Water positions open

The Victorian Farmers Federation president Peter Tuohey said getting onto CMA boards gave farmers a say in waterway and wetland management, management of pests and weeds, as well as the distribution of state funding for Landcare and for other natural resource management projects.

The Victorian Government has advertised 45 board member positions in the 10 CMAs, along with the position of chair of the Glenelg Hopkins CMA board.

The 10 CMAs include Corangamite, East Gippsland, Glenelg Hopkins, Goulburn Broken, Mallee, North Central, North East, Port Phillip and Westernport, West Gippsland and Wimmera.

The chair and up to eight members of the Victorian Catchment Management Council are also being advertised.

“Many of Victoria’s farmers have vast experience in areas such as business planning, financial management, primary industry and water resource management, all of which would make for a prime candidate in a CMA Board member," Mr Tuohey said.

“In the past, the VFF has successfully lobbied for a requirement for no less than 50 per cent of CMA board members to be primary producers. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a difference in your region.

“While farmers are conscious of the need for healthy rivers, ecologically sustainable and productive catchments, they are also astutely aware of the implications catchment management has on farmers’ ability to farm. By nominating themselves to be part of a CMA board, they can ensure rural concerns are kept front of mind.

“At the end of the day, the more positions of relevance occupied by farmers and farm leaders, the stronger our ability to influence vital local policy decisions.

Mr Tuohey said the state's 10 CMAs had considerable influence over sustainable development and regional development and he encouraged farmers with a strong interest in natural resource management to apply.

Details: www.delwp.vic.gov.au/onboard