NEW CHAIR AND DIRECTOR FOR TASMANIAN IRRIGATION BOARD

Tasmanian Irrigation welcomes the appointment of water industry professional and civil engineer Kate Vinot to Chair the Company’s Board.

Ms Vinot replaces Samantha Hogg, who today steps down after two terms as Chair of the Board.

Launceston City Council Alderman and Chair of the Launceston Airport, Hugh McKenzie, has also been appointed as a Director on the Tasmanian Irrigation Board.

Tasmanian Irrigation Chief Executive Officer Andrew Kneebone congratulated Ms Vinot and Mr McKenzie on their appointments to the Board.

“Kate and Hugh are both highly respected, skilled and passionate about growing Tasmania’s agricultural sector through the sustainable application of irrigation water, and we look forward to working with them to progress the next 10 Tranche Three irrigation projects, as well as deliver high-surety water to almost 1,000 landowners around the State.

“I also sincerely thank Samantha Hogg for her outstanding contribution to Tasmanian Irrigation and the State’s agricultural industries during the past six years.

“Sam has overseen a period of great change with Tasmanian Irrigation increasing its water delivery capacity to 133,000 megalitres, as well as designing and constructing new irrigation schemes. Sam has provided a great deal of strategic direction and oversight as part of the planning to double our water delivery capacity as the new Tranche Three projects are constructed. We wish Sam all the best for her future endeavours.”

Ms Vinot, currently Managing Director of Ageos Consulting, a Yarra Valley Water Board Director and a Board Member of Natural Hazards Research Australia, said she is excited about leading the next phase of Tasmanian Irrigation’s growth in water delivery and program development and delivery.

“My skills in engineering are complemented by higher degrees in economics and business administration, as well as practical expertise in capital project delivery, asset management, governance and strategic change,” Ms Vinot said. “I have a deep passion in providing water services that support prosperous, growing and vibrant communities and am looking forward to working with the Tasmanian Irrigation Board and dedicated team to supply water as cost effectively, efficiently and sustainably as possible.”

Mr McKenzie said primary production was a significant component of his client base during his 35 years working at KPMG as a Chartered Accountant, including 24 years as a Partner.

“I have a strong interest in helping to improve production and the viability of farms by de-risking one of the most important inputs – water,” Mr McKenzie said.

“Tasmanian Irrigation has a significant function to play in our community by helping our farmers to become the best they can be and truly make Tasmania the envy of the nation in water reliability.”

Both appointments are effective as of today’s Tasmanian Irrigation Annual General Meeting.