The Marshall Liberal Government has appointed Di Davidson as the new Presiding Member of the South Australian Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resources Management Board.
The appointment comes following the retirement of long-standing presiding member Sharon Starick, after reaching the end of her term.
Ms Davidson was re-appointed as an SAMDB NRM Board member at the beginning of February 2019, having previously served as a Board member from 2004 to 2006.
Environment and Water Minister David Speirs says Ms Davidson has the knowledge and experience to lead the board through a crucial period of reform.
“Di Davidson’s appointment is vital in ensuring the board is steered in the right direction, as it prepares to transition from an NRM Board to a Landscape Board”, said Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs.
“Her extensive experience in natural resources management and water reform policy will be extremely valuable during this period of change.
“The Marshall Government aims to significantly reposition natural resources management in South Australia by decentralising decision-making, increasing community voice and empowering boards to deliver powerful on-ground works.
“The simplification of natural resource management will ensure local communities are the focus and see real environmental results.
“Landscape SA will put local communities at the heart of sustaining, conserving and revitalising our state’s natural resources.
“We as a government are grateful for the work of former presiding member Sharon Starick, who has made a significant contribution to the Board over the last eight years of her service.
“Mrs Starick has left a legacy of strong leadership and community links as well as her extensive knowledge in areas such as agriculture and land and water management.”
“Despite almost 15 years in water policy and management in South Australia and the Murray Darling Basin, I’m keen to see greater integration of soil and land management as part of the overall concept of natural resources management,” said Ms Davidson.
“My experience has shown that strategic consultation with the local community is essential to getting the best and most acceptable outcomes.”
