The Independent Panel for the Western Region Sustainable Water Strategy was formally appointed on 19 August 2009 by the Minister for Water under Section 22F(1) of the Water Act 1989

The Water Act outlines the role of the Independent Panel, as being to consider comments made in the process of developing Sustainable Water Strategies and to report findings to the Minister within the period specified by him or her. The Panel may include in its report any recommendations that it thinks fit.

Panel members and their credentials are listed below. The Panel reviewed 272 public submissions to the Draft Strategy, and their final report on the key issues was submitted to the Minister on 21 September 2010.

The Government’s response to the Independent Panel’s report is summarised in Appendix 1 of the Strategy.

• View the Draft Western Region Sustainable Water Strategy
  
• View non-confidential submissions made to the Draft Western Region Sustainable Water Strategy
  
• View Appendix 1 of the Western Region Sustainable Water Strategy
  

Christine Forster (Chair), AM

Ms Forster became a Member of the Order of Australia in 2006 in recognition of her service to the environment in the area of water resource management. She is also a wool producer in western Victoria and has been actively involved with rural adjustment and regional development issues.

Professor John Langford, AM

Professor John Langford has unique system-wide perspective on water management in Australia from 38 years experience in water policy, management, strategic research and reform, including 15 years in chief executive positions.

Barry Steggall

Mr Steggall is the former State Deputy Leader of the National Party, former Member for Swan Hill (1983-2002) and former Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Water Resources and Technology (1999-2000).

Sally Farrier

Ms Farrier is Director of Farrier Swier Consulting, a Director of Hydro Tasmania, and a National Water Commissioner. She was a Director of Western Power between 2006 and 2009.