Western district primary producer, Mark Wootton AO, has been appointed the unaffiliated Chair of the Consultative Committee for the Western Region Sustainable Water Strategy.
He brings extensive leadership experience to the role, including serving as Chair of the Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority, where he worked to improve catchment health and waterway outcomes.
Mr Wootton owns and manages Jigsaw Farms, a carbon‑neutral grazing and agroforestry enterprise north of Hamilton in southwest Victoria.
He and his family oversee 7 integrated properties spanning 8,500 acres, producing wool, lamb, beef and sawlog timber within a biodiverse landscape.
'I’m honoured to be taking up this role and looking forward to working with the Consultative Committee members, who bring a wealth of talent and knowledge,' Mr Wootton said.
'Drought and dry conditions in recent years, particularly in south-western Victoria, has highlighted the need for a new blueprint for the region’s long-term water resources.'
The development of the Western Region Sustainable Water Strategy includes getting input through a Consultative Committee. Supporting this Committee will be working groups made up of representatives from sectors with water interests including agriculture, industry and environment.
The Consultative Committee met for the first time on 25 March in Ararat. Committee members include representatives from Traditional Owner Groups, water corporations and Catchment Managements Authorities within the western region.
The strategy will cover the western third of Victoria, extending from the south-west coast, across the Wimmera and to the southern Mallee. This includes the towns of Colac, Warrnambool, Portland, Port Campbell, Hamilton, Ouyen, Horsham, Avoca, Stawell, Ararat and Edenhope.
Sustainable Water Strategies are long-term regional plans which consider current and future factors such as water availability in a drier climate and what actions can be taken to address them such as improved infrastructure, policies and management arrangements.
Learn more about the Western Region Sustainable Water Strategy.
Page last updated: 26/03/26