CORANGAMITE CMA WELCOMES NEW CHAIR AND BOARD MEMBERS

Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA) has welcomed the recent appointment of Board members by the Minister for Water, including the appointment of existing Director Michael Watson as Board Chair, alongside new board members Terry Atkinson, Louisa-Jane Cunningham, Angela Higgins, and Andrea Montgomery.

Michael Watson has served on the Corangamite CMA Board since 2021, including as Deputy Chair over the last 12 months, bringing over 25 years of senior executive experience in Victoria’s essential services sector. His career includes a long tenure at Barwon Water as Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary, as well as key roles at the State Electricity Commission of Victoria/Powercor.

Michael is committed to strong governance, financial sustainability, and delivering high-quality customer service and environmental outcomes for Corangamite CMA.

Corangamite CMA CEO Dr Amber Clarke said, “Michael has brought extensive governance and financial expertise to our Board in recent years and his appointment as Chair will ensure strong oversight of the organisation’s strategy and performance continues.”

Terry Atkinson has been appointed to the Board by the Minister for Water, following his experience as the Aboriginal Board Delegate at Corangamite CMA over the past 15 months. A proud Bunurong, Wemba Wemba and Wiradjuri man, Terry works as the Wadamba Partnerships Coordinator at Wanyaari Aboriginal Consultancy Services and well as chairing the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation. He brings extensive expertise in Aboriginal cultural heritage and strong relationships with Traditional Owners across Victoria.

Shelford farmer Louisa-Jane Cunningham joins the Board after contributing to the Corangamite CMA’s Community Engagement Network since 2022. She is an active member of the Leigh Catchment Group and the Corangamite Rural Women’s Network and serves on the Otway Agroforestry Network Board. Louisa-Jane is passionate about integrating trees into farming systems to enhance biodiversity and protect the land for future generations.

Angela Higgins, Co-Director of Pardoo Cattle Co near Colac, brings a strong focus on regenerative agriculture, biodiversity, sustainable water management, and climate resilience. Angela is Secretary of the Central Otway Landcare Network and has been a member of Corangamite CMA’s Community Engagement Network, the Corangamite Rural Women’s Network, and the Colac Better Beef Group.

Andrea Montgomery has over 20 years’ experience working with rural communities in the not-for-profit sector, supporting grassroots groups to deliver on-ground environmental and sustainable agriculture outcomes. She currently serves as Chair of the Friends of the Barwon and is the Landcare Facilitator for the Upper Barwon Landcare Network. Andrea is passionate about restoring catchment health across the Corangamite region.

Corangamite CMA CEO Dr Amber Clarke said, “Our new board members bring significant experience in sustainable agriculture, land and waterway management, community engagement and business plus have strong connections to the regional community.”

Returning Board members include Michael Watson (Chair), Andy Meddick, Cathy Phelps, and Wayne Weaire.

New Board Chair Michael Watson says, “I am looking forward to continuing the great work of our dedicated team, ensuring the protection and sustainable management of land, vegetation, and water resources within our region.”

Corangamite CMA looks forward to the leadership and diverse expertise the new and returning Board members will bring to the region’s natural resource management efforts.