THE chairman and three North Central Catchment Management authority board members have quit mid-term.
Woosang farmer and former Country Fire Authority chief officer Euan Ferguson was just 18 months into his four-year appointment as chairman.
Mr Ferguson on Monday confirmed he had resigned 10 days ago.
“I enjoyed nearly two years (on the board) and now moving onto other challenges,” said Mr Ferguson who had spent four years on the North East CMA board before his December 2023 appointment to the North Central authority’s board.
Latarnie McDonald, appointed at the same time, also resigned as did Clinton Tilley. Personal reasons have seen a fourth member retire.
Loddon Shire’s Boort Ward councillor David Weaver, Mary Bignell, Olivia Lawson and Sally Mitchell remain on the board.
A Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action spokesperson said: “Some members of the North Central CMA board have made the decision to part ways in recent months, including the chair.
“The Victorian Government opened expressions of interest for board positions at all of Victoria’s water corporations and catchment management authorities in March.
“An independent panel is currently assessing nominees and will provide recommendations to the Minister for Water for appointment. North Central CMA will be considered as part of this process.”
The Loddon Herald has been told Sally Mitchell is acting as board chairman following Mr Ferguson’s departure. North Central CMA’s website was updated on Monday showing the depleted board membership.
“Appointed by the Water Minister, board membership is a reflection of the Victorian Government’s commitment to increasing leadership diversity which will encourage new ideas and ensure the water sector’s leadership reflects Victoria’s diverse communities,” the website says. “Our Board members bring individuality and diverse business and industry skills to the organisation.” The board also has two non-voting members.