Simes Takes the Reins as New Chair for the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board

News article |

The Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board has appointed Frances Simes as its new Chair, following the successful leadership of inaugural Chair, Dianne Davidson AM.

Simes Takes the Reins as New Chair for the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board
Frances Simes is looking forward to playing her part to build regional environmental sustainability.

A lifelong Riverland resident of Taylorville near Waikerie, Ms Simes brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to supporting the region’s unique natural resources and community initiatives.

In addition to her extensive knowledge of water policy and licensing, Ms Simes has served on numerous boards including the SA Murray-Darling Basin NRM Board and Riverland West Landcare and has been a board member for the landscape board for the past 2 years.

Landscape board General Manager Andrew Meddle said that Ms Simes’ will play a valuable role guiding the organisation as it continues its vital work across the Murraylands and Riverland.

“We are excited to welcome Frances as the new Chair at the beginning of February and look forward to the continued success of the landscape board under her guidance,” he said.

“Frances’ experience in water licensing and policy will be particularly valuable to the organisation given the upcoming review of the Murray Darling Basin Plan”.

Ms Simes said that she was looking forward to playing her part to build regional environmental sustainability.

“Being Chair allows me to ensure our precious environment is continually monitored and improved, with the goal of achieving a sustainable future”.

“It’s rewarding to see the needs of our region and industry reflected in our work while raising awareness about the vital role the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board plays in caring for our landscapes,” she added.

In welcoming Mrs Simes to the landscape board, Mr Meddle also extended his gratitude to Dianne Davidson, who finishes her term at the end of January, for her 5 years of service as Chair.

“Dianne’s leadership has been truly exceptional, and we are incredibly grateful for her tireless work in helping shape the landscape board’s vision for the region”.

“Dianne has been instrumental in the transition of the region’s management from the SA Murray-Darling Basin NRM Board to the landscape board, overseeing a period of significant change and growth,” he added.

The landscape board also welcomes Samantha Blight as its newest member. Currently working as a sustainability officer with the Coorong District Council, Samantha’s skills and background in landcare and conservation will bring fresh perspectives about the issues facing the environment in the region.

Ms Blight said it was an honour to be part of the landscape board.

“I’m excited to collaborate with others who share a vision for a sustainable future, and to find solutions for the environmental challenges we’re facing in this region,” she said.

Ms Blight joins Andrew Biele (Loxton), Greg Cock (Murray Bridge), Jason Size (Bookpurnong), Tammy O’Malley (Jabuk), Brian Lund (Meningie) and Ms Simes as board members, each providing local input and perspectives into the work the board oversees.

The new landscape board will meet for the first time on Thursday 27 February 2025 in Murray Bridge.

More information about board members and board meetings can be found here.

More stories

  1. Dams and Water Management: What Every Landholder Should Know

    Blog story | 05 Feb. 2025
  2. Inspiring Environmental Changemakers, One School At A Time

    Blog story | 04 Feb. 2025
  3. Discounted Bait Available to Support Landholders With Controlling Foxes

    News article | 03 Feb. 2025