Pyramid-Boort Irrigation Area WSC Suspension Information
This webpage contains all communications by G-MW regarding the suspension of the Pyramid-Boort Water Services Committee
- Media Release: G-MW Board suspends Pyramid-Boort WSC after 12 months of review
- Goulburn-Murray Water seeks expressions of interest from Pyramid-Boort Irrigation Area customers and community.
- An open letter to the customers and community of Pyramid-Boort Irrigation Area
- Letter to the editor: G-MW's action triggered by Pyramid-Boort WSC's conduct not opinions.
- Application form and appointment procedures for Interim Pyramid-Boort Customer Reference Group
- Media Release: Pyramid-Boort leader joins selection panel for G-MW interim Customer Reference Group
- Media Release: G-MW announces members of Pyramid-Boort Customer Reference Group
- Rules for the operation of the Pyramid-Boort customer reference group
Media Release
G-MW Board suspends Pyramid-Boort WSC after 12 months of review
Goulburn-Murray Water seeks expressions of interest from Pyramid-Boort Irrigation Area customers and community.
G-MW seeks expressions of interest from customers and members of the public in the Pyramid-Boort Irrigation Area who would like to be a part of the Pyramid-Boort interim Customer Reference Group.
The interim Customer Reference Groups primary function is to provide advice to the G-MW Board on local issues affecting customers. The Group will be established early in 2010 and shall continue in this form until at least 30 June 2010.
G-MW engages extensively in customer consultation with and through a series of customer committees. The interim Customer Reference Group for Pyramid-Boort will fulfil this role in the local area. It is intended that the group will meet monthly and membership will be appointed by G-MW from a field of interested persons. Prior to appointment, an acknowledgement of compliance with governance procedures established for the group will be required.
If you are representative of customers in the area, have broad local knowledge, understand the water industry, or would like to gain a better understanding of it, further information about the Group is available from www.g-mwater.com.au or by contacting
Russell Barnier, Goulburn-Murray Water
Expressions of interest can also be forwarded to this email address and will be received up until 5pm on Friday 29 January 2010.
Click here to download the Expression of Interest advertisement appearing in local media
An open letter to the customers and community of Pyramid-Boort Irrigation Area
Click here to download a printable PDF version of this letter
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Mr Andrew Broad 16 December 2009 President Victorian Farmers Federation Farrer House Level 5 / 24 Collins Street MELBOURNE VIC 3000
Dear Mr Broad An open letter to the customers and community of Pyramid-Boort Irrigation Area [To be read in full to the VFF community meeting] In announcing the decision of the Board of G-MW to the Pyramid-Boort Water Services Committee (WSC) and to the broader community last week, we made it clear that we expected individuals may not agree with our decision and may be surprised by our action. We anticipated this because the Pyramid Boort WSC has a long history of setting the benchmark for robust and forthright debate with G-MW. We also recognise that this committee has also set the benchmark for team work and community leadership through their progressive thinking and commitment to finding solutions to the challenges that lies ahead. This is a committee that in its various forms over the years and in partnership with G-MW has advocated for and helped achieve the Prime Development Zones, Waranga Western Channel upgrade, Normanville Pipeline, and the visionary Future Management Strategy. This record is not in doubt. G-MW has no intention of publicly disclosing any specific examples of conduct or behaviours that have lead to our decision - it is not a path that brings any credit to the individuals involved. But while G-MW will not discuss these matters in public, we cannot overlook them and their impact on the committee and other individuals. Members of the community are asking why didn't G-MW warn the Committee and allow the Committee to address the matters? The fact is on numerous occasions over the past few years the G-MW Board, Directors and management and other meeting guests directly communicated with the Committee to advise of their concerns. Late last year G-MW commissioned an independent review of the Committee and every single member of the Pyramid-Boort WSC was interviewed and given opportunity to discuss the issues impacting on the performance of the committee. This review resulted in a range of governance and process reforms that the Board of G-MW put in place in July 2009. We subsequently appointed the members of the Pyramid-Boort WSC along with all other WSC members on the basis that they would comply with these improved governance processes. As at last Friday some members of the Pyramid-Boort WSC had refused to acknowledge that they will abide by the rules of committee operation when nearly all other customer committee members within G-MW have agreed. Since the review and implementation of the reforms we have seen no improvement in the conduct of the Pyramid-Boort Committee. We have also been made aware of a number of incidents between committee members and between the Committee and other bodies that are clearly unacceptable and have therefore forced G-MW to take steps. The community has also asked why G-MW didn't single out individuals on the committee and take action against them? Why have we taken a course of action that potentially blackens the name of all the members? We expect diversity of views and robust interaction between committee members, but to be effective the committee must also be able to unite to deliver team work and community leadership - just like past Pyramid-Boort WSCs. For this reason we have no intention of pointing to any individual members of the Committee as being at fault or taking separate action against them. The Committee as a whole is accountable for its actions. The key point here is that we have 25 customer committees with more than 150 members and each and everyone comprises a diverse range of views and interests. Twenty-four of these committees are managing to harness the differences to achieve meaningful and productive outcomes. The Pyramid Boort Committee has a history of doing the same but has fallen short in recent times. In closing I would like to state for the record the steps G-MW has and intends to take to resolve this matter. First. We have not dismissed or dissolved the Pyramid-Boort WSC. The committee has been suspended and this is very important because we would like to see resumption as early as possible of normal WSC operations - and with it, a resumption of the team work and community leadership that the Pyramid-Boort WSC has demonstrated in the past. Second. We are calling for nominations for a Community Reference Group to act in the interim to provide time for G-MW to consider our next steps. The process leading to the Board's final decision will involve further engagement with the local community and will also involve further discussions with members of the committee. Third. We have said the interim community reference group will operate until at least June 2010. Clearly we are indicating we would like to see a resumption of normal WSC operations at that stage to coincide with the annual appointment processes. This is our goal and intended timeframes. Fourth. Each and every member of the Pyramid-Boort WSC can seek to continue their participation on the interim community reference committee or indeed a future Pyramid-Boort WSC. The key factor impacting on their appointment will be their ability to contribute to the effective operations of the committee and to respect the agreed governance processes for conduct between members and for behaviours in and out of the meetings. Finally, the decision of the Board is unprecedented and one that we did not make lightly. Having now made and communicated the decision we are determined to work with the local community to confirm the best way to rapidly achieve a resumption of a well functioning WSC. We respect the right of the local community to come together to discuss these matters and welcome the involvement of the VFF to oversee this process. To this end I would be happy to meet with the VFF to discuss the feedback from the meeting and to hear suggestions on an effective way forward.
Yours sincerely
Stephen Mills Chairman Goulburn-Murray Water |
Click here to download a PDF version of this Letter to the Editor
Letter to the EditorG-MW's action triggered by Pyramid-Boort WSC's conduct not opinions.The Board of Goulburn-Murray Water (G-MW) is greatly concerned by misstatements that G-MW has ‘sacked' the current committee and did so, because G-MW ‘disagreed' with the committee's advice. Both statements are wholly inaccurate. G-MW never has suspended a customer advisory committee because the committee was forthright and passionate in delivering its views to G-MW directors and management or because G-MW disagreed with a committee's advice or opinions. But we feel compelled to act where the Board believes this has spilled over into unacceptable behaviours and conduct in and outside committee meetings. The Board of G-MW felt compelled to suspend the committee because of behaviours and actions of members of the Pyramid-Boort WSC, not their opinions or advice. The Board's action is unprecedented and our record speaks for itself - over the past 15 years WSCs have vehemently and often publicly disagreed with G-MW's intended operations or policies and the Board has never reacted by suspending a WSC. No one underestimates the challenging pace and breadth of change that is taking place within water at this time. Advising the Board on customer issues is the central role of all of our 25 customer committees and one that the Board of G-MW greatly values. As we made clear in our open letter to the VFF's community meeting, the Board of G-MW has not dismissed or sacked the Pyramid-Boort WSC. The committee has been suspended, and G-MW would like to see a resumption as early as possible of normal WSC operations. Over the coming weeks G-MW will continue discussions with the community, committee members and the VFF and looks forward to the resumption of a well functioning committee in 2010, and with it, a resumption of the team work and community leadership that past Pyramid-Boort WSCs have demonstrated.
Stephen Mills
Chairman Goulburn-Murray Water
Word count = 295 - ENDS -Media Contact: Linda Nieuwenhuizen Position: Manager Stakeholder Relations Telephone: 03 5833 5776 or 0412 183 792 |
11-01-2010
Application form and appointment procedures for Interim Pyramid-Boort Customer Reference Group
Introduction:
The interim Pyramid-Boort Customer Reference Group (the Reference Group) is an advisory body to the Board of G-MW which will be established by the Board to fill a gap created by the suspension of the Board's customer advisory committee for the area.
It is anticipated that the Reference Group will be formed before the end of January, 2010 and will continue until such time as the Board's customer advisory committee is re-activated, which is not anticipated prior to the Water Services Committees normal appointment cycle (June/July 2010).
Essential functions:
The Rules of governance in Attachment 2 apply to the operation and proceedings of the Reference Group. The rules are based on the Charter and Code of Conduct currently applying to Water Services Committees.
The functions of the Reference Group, as contained in the Rules, are to advise and assist the Board -
b) in Goulburn-Murray Water's decisions regarding service level and price trade-offs and local operational matters
c) in the monitoring and implementation by Goulburn-Murray Water of its costs and services, and its identification of potential system, service and delivery improvements and efficiencies
d) in the development by Goulburn-Murray Water of its asset management plans, maintenance and capital programs
e) in the development and implementation by Goulburn-Murray Water of water resource management plans (which would include the management and use of surface water and groundwater)
f) in the preparation by Goulburn-Murray Water of an annual area plan; annual budget estimates; asset management plans and responses to Government on various policy issues, and
g) in the development by Goulburn-Murray Water of its policies, procedures, tariff structures and billing arrangements.
While the advice and assistance of the Reference Group will be highly valued, ultimately, the authority for decision making lies with the G-MW Board.
The Reference Group shall also assist G-MW in its dealings with its customers by -
a) relaying Goulburn-Murray Water decisions and information provided for general release
b) supporting Goulburn-Murray Water in resolution of customer disputes
c) providing input to the development of communication strategies that meet Goulburn-Murray Water customers needs, and
d) maintaining the confidentiality of Goulburn-Murray Water confidential information.
Eligibility:
To be eligible for appointment to the Reference Group, a person must not -
a) be an undischarged bankrupt; or
b) be insane; or
c) have been found guilty of an offence under the Water Act 1989; or
d) have been convicted of any indictable offence within the last 5 years; or
e) be more than 12 months in arrears in the payment of water charges to Goulburn-Murray Water (without having made an arrangement to pay the arrears which is acceptable to Goulburn-Murray Water).
Applications:
Applications from persons interested in becoming part of the Interim Pyramid-Boort Customer reference Group need to be on the attached form (Attachment 1) and forwarded to the G-MW Corporate Secretary on either Fax: 5824 5330 or email: russellb@g-mwater.com.au prior to Friday 29 January 2010.
Procedure:
Individuals who have applied will be contacted and advised as soon as practicable after the close-off date whether they will progress to an interview. Progressing to an interview will be influenced by the number and calibre of applications received and the assessment by the panel of the individual's experience against established selection criteria.
Following a panel interview process, between 5 and 7 applicants may be appointed by the Board to the Reference Group. Appointments will only become effective upon completion and return by the appointed member of a declaration of interest (Attachment 5) and a signed declaration to comply with the rules established for the Reference Group (Attachment 4).
Selection Process:
The Board shall appoint the members of the Reference Group.
The Board will appoint a selection panel, which shall include one Board member. The selection panel shall consider all applications against agreed selection criteria and determine which applicants shall proceed to an interview with the panel. Following the interview process, the panel will advise the Board of those applicants the panel recommends for appointment. The selection criteria shall include consideration of, as a minimum, the following -
- Community involvement
- Irrigation water experience
- Residential / business location
- Relationship with G-MW
- Ability to manage conflict of interest
Publication of Personal Information:
Members are required to provide to G-MW contact information including, names, address, phone, fax and email to facilitate effective communication, promotion of Reference Group activities and transfer of information.
In accepting an appointment as a Reference Group member, the members agree to allow G-MW to use names, contact details and photos in relevant publications, including Newsletters, Annual Report, brochures, promotional material, G-MW website and general media releases if required.
Time Allowance:
It is anticipated that the Reference Group will meet monthly from February 2010 in the Pyramid Hill area. Meetings will be of approximately 2.5 hours duration. Members will
receive an attendance allowance and a travel reimbursement amount for their attendance.
The chair and deputy chair of the Reference Group will also be welcome to attend Water Service Committee Forums organised by G-MW. Each forum lasts for approximately 3.5 hours.
Additional Information:
Additional information is provided in the attachments to this document.
Attachment 1 Application Form for membership of the Interim Pyramid-Boort Customer Reference Group
Attachment 2 Rules for the operation of the Interim Pyramid-Boort Customer Reference Group
Attachment 3 Dealing with Conflicts of Interest, practice and procedures
Attachment 4 Declaration of Compliance with Rules
Attachment 5 Declaration of Interests
IMPORTANT NOTE: When applying for a position on the Pyramid-Boort Customer Reference Group only Attachment 1 is required to submitted. Once appointed as a member attachments 4 and 5 will need to be addressed.
Applications:
Applications from persons interested in becoming part of the Interim Pyramid-Boort Customer reference Group need to be on the attached form (Attachment 1) and forwarded to the G-MW Corporate Secretary on either Fax: 5824 5330 or email: russellb@g-mwater.com.au prior to Friday 29 January 2010.
Russell Barnier
General Counsel & Corporate Secretary
Goulburn-Murray Water
21 December, 2009
Media Release
Pyramid-Boort leader joins selection panel for G-MW interim Customer Reference Group
5 February 2010
Media Release
G-MW announces members of Pyramid-Boort Customer Reference Group
25 February 2010
Rules for the operation of the Pyramid-Boort customer reference group
1. ESTABLISHMENT
The Reference Group shall commence operations when individuals applying for membership are appointed to the Reference group by the Board and G-MW calls the first meeting of the Reference Group by nominating a date, time and place for the first meeting.
2. STRUCTURE
The Reference Group shall consist of a maximum of nine members appointed by the Board. Within that number, the Board shall appoint a chair and a deputy chare of the Reference Group either as a result of the application process or otherwise. Members may be removed from the Reference Group by written notice from the Board and the Board may disband the Reference Group following notice in writing to all current members.
3 FUNCTIONS
3.1 The functions of the Reference Group are to advise and assist the G-MW Board
a) in Goulburn-Murray Water's decisions regarding service level and price trade-offs and local operational matters
b) in the monitoring and implementation by Goulburn-Murray Water of its costs and services, and its identification of potential system, service and delivery improvements and efficiencies
c) in the development by Goulburn-Murray Water of its asset management plans, maintenance and capital programs
d) in the development and implementation by Goulburn-Murray Water of water resource management plans (which would include the management and use of surface water and groundwater)
e) in the preparation by Goulburn-Murray Water of an annual area plan; annual budget estimates; asset management plans and responses to Government on various policy issues, and
f) in the development by Goulburn-Murray Water of its policies, procedures, tariff structures and billing arrangements.
While the advice and assistance of Reference Group will be highly valued, ultimately, the authority for decision making lies with the Board of Goulburn-Murray Water.
3.2 The Reference Group shall also assist Goulburn-Murray Water in its dealings with its customers by -
a) relaying Goulburn-Murray Water decisions and information provided for general release
b) supporting Goulburn-Murray Water in resolution of customer disputes
c) providing input to the development of communication strategies that meet Goulburn-Murray Water customers needs, and
d) maintaining the confidentiality of Goulburn-Murray Water confidential information.
4 ALLOWANCES
4.1 G-MW will pay each member -
a) a session fee, according to rates set in accordance with section 122C(5) of the Water Act 1989; and
b) a travelling allowance, for attending a meeting of the Reference Group; and
c) meeting preparation allowance for studying papers and preparing reports required by the Reference Group ; and
d) reimbursement of out of pocket expenses for performing their duties with prior approval of the Operational Manager
4.2 Session fees, meeting preparation allowances and travelling expenses will be paid to Reference Group members when attending meetings and undertaking official member duties.
4.3 Payment of session fees, meeting preparation allowances and travelling expenses shall be paid in accordance with the remuneration of part time non-executive Directors of State Government Boards and members of Statutory Bodies and Advisory Committees and other approvals by DSE.
4.4 A half day session fee will be paid for under 4 hours time commitment including travel.
A full day session fee will be paid for over 4 hours time commitment including travel.
4.5 No session fee or travelling expenses are payable where the Reference Group member is already in receipt of remuneration for that period from another organisation and is on the Reference Group as a result of being a member of that other organisation.
5 RESIGNATION
A member may resign his or her position on the Reference Group by notice in writing to the Corporate Secretary of Goulburn-Murray Water.
6 REFERENCE GROUP CHAIR
The Reference Group Chair will be appointed by the Board and is responsible for:
a) acting as principle spokesperson for the Reference Group
b) developing meeting agendas in conjunction the Operational Manager
c) ensuring the business conducted by the Reference Group is within its functions described in paragraph 3
d) chairing meetings of the Reference Group
e) all correspondence on behalf of the Reference Group
7 DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
7.1 Members are required to complete a declaration of interests in the format contained in Attachment 5, and declare any actual or potential conflict of interest and any involvement in other related community, government and business interests. This information will be placed in a register maintained by the Corporate Secretary of G-MW.
7.2 The declarations will remain confidential to the Managing Director, the Corporate Secretary, and the Operations Manager.
7.3 Conflicts of interest shall be dealt with in accordance with the procedures contained in Attachment 3.
8 MEETING PROCEDURES
8.1 A quorum comprises the majority of members (the Chair is counted as a member).
8.2 The Reference Group is encouraged to reach consensus decisions wherever possible with a formal vote used where necessary on the basis of a simple majority. All members have one vote and the Chair also has a casting vote in the event of a tie.
8.3 A member who is unable to attend a meeting may not appoint an alternate or a proxy to attend and / or vote in the member's place.
8.4 The agenda for Reference Group meetings is set by the Operational Manager in consultation with the Chair of the Reference Group.
8.5 Additional agenda Items can be added to the agenda for discussion only at the commencement of a meeting (before any items of business are dealt with) and only with unanimous agreement by all at the meeting and shall be available to G-MW senior management and the Board.
8.6 An appropriate record of proceedings of every meeting shall be kept. Minutes of meetings must be treated as confidential by members and will be retained by G-MW on the corporate electronic records management system. Draft minutes are to be provided to members a minimum of a week prior to the next meeting.
8.7 Meetings are not open to the public.
8.8 The frequency, location and timing of meetings are determined by the Operations Manager in consultation with the Chair. The minimum notice for meetings to be provided to all members is five days.
8.9 Administrative support is provided by Goulburn-Murray Water staff and directed by the Operations Manager.
9 LIAISON WITH COMMUNITY GROUPS
To facilitate the performance of the Reference Group's functions described in paragraph 3 the Reference Group may, from time to time, nominate certain of its members to liaise with any community group (eg. tourism, recreation, environment, local Government, Catchment Management Authorities or farmer groups) and to report back to the Reference Group, as the need arises.
10 ROLE OF OPERATIONAL MANAGER
The Reference Group represents customers and stakeholder interests. As an officer of Goulburn-Murray Water, the Operational Manager will provide the formal link and primary contact between the Reference Group and Goulburn-Murray Water. Operational Managers are not Reference Group members.
11 ROLE OF G-MW STAFF
11.1 Senior G-MW management staff including the Managing Director may attend Reference Group meetings;
11.2 The role of G-MW senior management is to provide information, discussion input and to report back to G-MW. The senior manager should also advise the Reference Group Chair if discussions or actions move beyond the functions of the Group and should also raise with the Chair any potential conflicts of interest if they arise in discussions at the meeting.
Click here to download a printable PDF version of this information
