One Basin CRC Regional Advisory Committee Chair Appointments – July 2023

One Basin CRC Chief Executive Mike Stewardson is pleased to announce the appointment of the inaugural 4 Regional Advisory Committee (RAC) Chairs aligned to Regional Hubs located within the Murray-Darling Basin.

The 4 respective RAC Chair appointments include:

·      Jim Godden (Lower Basin Hub, Loxton SA)

·      Leonie Burrows OAM (Mallee Hub, Mildura VIC)

·      Liz Stott (Mid Basin Hub, Griffith NSW)

·      Graeme Scheu (Northern Basin Hub, Goondiwindi QLD)

Jim Godden is CEO of CCW Cooperative in the Riverland SA which represents 530 wine grape growers across 8000 Ha, and represents 10-12% of total Australian wine grape production. Jim’s experience includes as a senior executive and board member with exposure to the wine, spirits and oil industry. Equally he is a dedicated environment and conservation advocate working in natural resources and water management where Jim is a board member of Landscapes SA (Murraylands & Riverland).

Leonie Burrows OAM is a Mildura-based management consultant and has 25 years’ experience in local government, including a number of years as a Council CEO at Mildura Rural City Council.

Ms Burrows is Chair of Sunraysia Community Health Service and is a member of the Loddon Mallee Regional Development Australia Board. Previous roles include Chair of Sunraysia Institute of TAFE , Chair of the Victorian TAFE Association, Chair of Lower Murray Water Corporation, Chair of the Mildura Transport and Logistics Cluster and involvement in numerous other community organisations. For four years she was also Executive Officer of the Alliance of Councils for Rail Freight Development. Leonie is also the inaugural Chair of the Mallee Regional Innovation Centre Strategic Advisory Panel. Leonie received an Order of Australian Medal (OAM) for service to the community of Mildura in 2023.

Liz Stott is a a public relations and communications professional, with over 10 years’ experience in water policy and having worked on a number of significant issues, including Murray-Darling Basin water reform, licence variations and water sharing plans. Liz is a board member of Cotton Australia, was a member of the National Water Grid Advisory Body and Chair of Women in Cotton. She is also a partner in Stott Farming, an irrigation business at Leeton NSW producing cotton and winter cereals. Liz is a passionate advocate for rural issues, especially water policy and the continued involvement of young people in the agricultural industry.

Graeme Scheu is a long standing member of the Goondiwindi community, and has lived in Goondiwindi since 1976. Graeme is a former Goondiwindi Mayor, operates Gunsynd Tours and has owned the Goondiwindi Travel Centre since the 1970’s.