New Chair for Water Advisory Committee

Posted 20 September 2021.

Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board Chair Dianne Davidson AM welcomed Dr Plowman and congratulated him on his appointment.

“We are very fortunate to be able to attract dedicated, knowledgeable people such as Dr Plowman as he brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise, which will benefit the committee and the landscape board,” Ms Davidson said.

Dr Don Plowman has held several senior policy, research, and executive positions in state government during his long and distinguished career, including Group Executive Director, Primary Industries and Biosecurity, where he was responsible for the Agriculture, Food, Wine and Forestry, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Biosecurity SA Divisions and the South Australian Research and Development Institute. He has also served as Deputy Chief Executive, Primary Industries and Biosecurity.

Dr Plowman has considerable international experience including project development in Iraq, Syria, Jordan, gulf countries, and China. In 2004 he prepared an agricultural redevelopment program for Iraq, and he had a leading role in establishing the International Biosaline Agricultural Centre in Dubai.

Dr Plowman was awarded the Public Service Medal (PSM) for his contribution to the development of sustainable agriculture in the Australia Day Honours in 2010.

He is also the recipient of the Qilu Friendship Award, bestowed by the Shandong Government for fostering collaborations between South Australia and Shandong Province, China.

In retirement, Dr Plowman continues as a director or chair on numerous boards and committees, including consultancy positions.

The Murraylands and Riverland Water Advisory Committee provide advice and support to the landscape board to assist achieve positive outcomes for water resources management throughout the region.