New Chair for Water Advisory Committee

The Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board has appointed Penny Smith as Chair of the Water Advisory Committee.

Ms Smith will lead the committee in their work to engage community stakeholders to guide policy and consultation options for water allocation planning, provide the landscape board with community feedback on current water issues and support sustainable environmental management of the region’s rivers, lakes and wetlands.

Penny brings over four decades of experience in horticulture, irrigation and sustainable water management. Her professional background spans roles in local government, TAFE, and private business with career highlights including serving as a Land and Water Implementation Officer, Community Development Officer and Deputy Chair of Citrus SA. She has also contributed to projects that blend environmental conservation with community development, such as the Waikerie Silo Art initiative.

Based on the River Murray in Taylorville, Penny and her husband own and manage a fifth-generation citrus property established in 1897. Ms Smith said that sustainability and water efficiency are at the core of her private irrigation operations, and she is deeply passionate about sustainable rural communities, water resource planning, and engaging young people.

“I’m looking forward to bringing my experience in workforce development, land and water management and community engagement to the committee and continuing their work in providing advice and recommendations on water-related matters to the landscape board.” she said.

Landscape board Chair Frances Simes said that Ms Smith will play a vital role in leading the committee to support the landscape board’s focus area of sustainable water use.

“We are thrilled to welcome Penny as the new Chair and to have someone with her calibre, experience and passion for sustainability and water efficiency chairing the committee.” she said.