THREE new members have been appointed to the SA Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resources Management board.
Visual artist and creative writer Liz Frankel, Waikerie, viticulturist Ashley Chabrel, Barmera, and Langhorne Creek Grape and Wine Inc executive officer Dr Lian Jaensch are the SAMDB region's newest board members.
Mr Chabrel has been growing wine grapes in the Riverland for the past 14 years and recently diversified his business by developing a dried grape property.
A director or member of several committees including the National Irrigators Council, Mr Chabrel is also the SA Murray Irrigators Inc deputy chairperson and is involved with the Barmera Agricultural Bureau and Riverland Field Days.
Mr Chabrel is keenly interested in integrated pest management, plant physiology, irrigation design and management and risk management.
Dr Jaensch has more than 15 years’ experience in the wine industry and a sound understanding of the people and organisations that drive it.
During the millennium drought, Dr Jaensch was an industry representative on the Drought Liaison Group. She is a past contributor to the water allocation planning process for the Angas-Bremer Water Management Area and has been involved in community consultation on the Murray Darling Basin Plan.
Ms Frankel, who is a member of a number of committees and is a Murray-Darling Basin Healthy Rivers Ambassador, operates an art studio/gallery on the banks of the River Murray, where she produces art and children’s books that promote a healthy environment.
Ms Frankel uses her arts practice to create community-driven improvement in conservation of our natural assets, and to ultimately have thriving regional communities with sustainable environmental outcomes.
With a particular interest in working to preserve the River Murray, Ms Frankel is passionate about nature-based tourism and regional development.
SAMDB NRM board presiding member Sharon Starick congratulated the new members, saying their extensive expertise and skills would enrich the board.
“We are very fortunate to be able to attract valuable, community connected people such as Liz, Lian and Ashley to the SAMDB NRM board, each bringing a diverse set of skills and the respect of their community, and I very much look forward to working with them,” Mrs Starick said.
“The people in our region are our most valuable asset, and by working together we can safeguard a healthy environment that supports a diverse and flexible economy and the wellbeing of our communities, ecosystems, soils and water resources.
“I’d also like to commend the significant contribution made to the board and the SAMDB community by our recently retired members, Nick Bakkum, Kerry Simock and Kim Blenkiron.
“The SAMDB NRM board’s vision for the region is a healthy living landscape meeting the social, environmental, economic and cultural needs of the community, and ensuring the rights and wellbeing of future generations.”
- Details: naturalresources.sa.gov.au/samurraydarlingbasin/about-us/nrm-board