Hanlon appointed to lead DPI water

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Director General, Scott Hansen, today announced the appointment of respected water executive, Gavin Hanlon, to lead the Department's water division.

Mr Hanlon joins the DPI as Deputy Director General (Water) from Australia's largest Rural Water Corporation, Goulburn Murray Water, where he has been Managing Director since 2011.

"Gavin's comprehensive leadership experience in the water industry, coupled with his strong understanding of the rural sector, in particular primary industries, will be of significant advantage to the State's water users and communities," Mr Hansen said.

"Of particular note is Gavin's deep understanding of the complexities around water and water infrastructure management plus his experience and success leading an organisation of more than 750 staff through a period of transformation.

"Having previously overseen wholesale, retail and construction businesses within Goulburn Murray Water, Gavin has a solid track-record working closely with industry stakeholders and alongside Government to reform business, bolster customer service and significantly improve the organisation's performance and that of customers."

Mr Hansen said Mr Hanlon's oversight of the $1 billion irrigation infrastructure modernisation program across the Goulburn Murray over the last three years augers well for the DPI's NSW Office of Water and the State's irrigators involved in the Sustaining the Basin Program and Murray Darling Basin projects.

"At a time when some parts of the State are facing critical water levels and industry is searching for greater efficiency, having somebody of Gavin's calibre join the DPI is an excellent result for NSW," Mr Hansen said.

"In his new role as Deputy Director General, Gavin will lead a fresh approach to the State's sustainable management of surface and groundwater systems and will be responsible for supporting water utilities to provide water and sewage services that benefit the State."

Mr Hanlon's professional experience also includes four years as Managing Director of Coliban Water in central Victoria and four years as Chief Executive Officer of the North Central Catchment Management Authority.

He begins in his new role in late January.

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