The Lachlan Environmental Water Advisory Group provides advice to the department on the use of water for the environment in the Lachlan Valley for its water-dependant ecosystems. An Environmental Water Advisory Group may include water managers, recreational fishers, landholders, Indigenous groups, independent scientists, and a variety of partner agencies.
The suitable applicant will ensure that processes for generating, evaluating and discussing advice are robust, and that terms of reference, codes of conduct and other protocols are followed. The chairperson should make best use of the committee's knowledge, skills and experience to assist environmental water managers with annual watering priorities, adaptive management and implementation of the NSW Water for the Environment program.
Specific capabilities include:
- exhibit goodwill and support an inclusive and collaborative approach
- manage probity, conflict of interest and the integrity of group processes with the department
- maintain an impartial reference-point for robust and respectful debate
- communicate effectively, including the ability to listen attentively to others, absorb alternative points of view and facilitate a consensus view
- analyse information and arguments, think critically and objectively about a complex problem and articulate a concise summary
- employ appropriate interpersonal skills
- have relevant experience leading boards or committees
- acknowledging Aboriginal people, their culture and communities
- lead the group to achieve its purpose and objectives by providing quality advice to the department.
The successful applicant will be appointed for a term of up to 5 years. The Lachlan Environmental Water Advisory Group may meet up to 4 times a year (in varying regional locations) with additional field trips conducted on occasion. Please note that this is a non-salaried position. Chairs will be compensated for their time and expenses, in line with NSW Government guidelines.
Position description
The Lachlan Environmental Water Advisory Group is a committee formed under Section 388 of the Water Management Act 2000 and referenced in the Lachlan Water Sharing Plan. The Environmental Water Advisory Group's focus is the regulated river and wetlands within the Lachlan valley. The Environmental Water Advisory Group's purpose is to provide advice to the Minister for the Environment, or their delegate, on the management of environmental water to maximise ecological benefits.
Purpose of the role
The purpose of the chairperson is to work with the executive officer and Environmental Water Advisory Group membership to fulfil its primary objectives. Chairs must ensure that decision-making processes are robust, and that established terms of reference, codes of conduct and other protocols are followed. This includes participants of a meeting being able to contribute effectively, act respectfully and adhere to the purpose of the group. The chairperson should also seek to maximise the outcomes from the limited meeting times of the Environmental Water Advisory Group by focussing discussion towards an action or motion, as required.
Key responsibilities
- Commitment to achieving the Environmental Water Advisory Group's objectives.
- Lead the group in conducting business for the purpose of fulfilling Environmental Water Advisory Group's objectives.
- Chair the meetings in an impartial manner.
- Relay environmental watering information to interested people or organisations.
- Act as the Environmental Water Advisory Group spokesperson and representative, if required.
- Liaise with the Environmental Water Advisory Group executive officer to ensure the smooth operation of business, including managing meeting priorities, the agenda, motions, actions and observing developed guidelines.
- Liaise with the executive officer to invite and manage meeting guests, and monitor guest participation to ensure the effectiveness of the group.
- Review documentation between meetings, when necessary.
- Be available to contribute between meetings, if required.
- Communicate with the members and/or executive officer between meetings, when necessary.
- Ability and willingness to attend meetings 2 to 4 times per year, which may include regional travel (community member costs will be met). This should not preclude community members with responsibility as caregivers.
- Ensure the scope of the group's responsibilities is observed.
- Ensure that members are given an opportunity to participate, and that their performance and conduct is appropriate.
Key challenges
- Considering and respecting the views of others to maintain an inclusive and collaborative approach.
- Collating and considering information on a highly technical and complex topic.
- Articulating Environmental Water Advisory Group decisions to a broader community.
- Developing and maintaining an awareness of social, institutional, political and ecological issues relevant to local wetlands, water quality and river flows.
Key relationships
Executive officer
- Cooperates to plan and manage meetings
- Manages administrative business
- Communicates and liaises with NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water – Conservation Programs, Heritage and Regulation Group staff
- Manages meeting actions and dissemination of information
Members and alternatives
- Encourages full participation to consolidate, deliberate and develop advice
- Manages the process for developing consensus in advice
Observers
- Participates in meetings as a guest, but does not participate in decision-making
Conservation Programs, Heritage and Regulation Group
- Provides administration and support to the Environmental Water Advisory Group
- Receives advice of the group and makes decisions for environmental watering
- Resources other areas of environmental water management such as monitoring, reporting, etc.
Environmental Water Advisory Group chairs
- Collaborates to mutually improve performance
Capabilities for the role
The chairperson must:
- maintain an impartial reference-point for robust and respectful debate
- communicate effectively, including the ability to listen attentively to others, absorb alternative points of view and articulate a message
- analyse information and arguments, think critically and objectively about a complex problem and summarise
- exhibit good will and support an inclusive and collaborative approach
- employ appropriate people skills
- understand and manage conflicts of interest
- be skilled in facilitation and conflict management, in order to engage both sides on a sometimes contentious topic
- have experience on boards or committees
- have regard for Aboriginal people and communities in relation to land and water, cultural values and challenges for representation and participation
- head the group to achieve objectives
- lead complex decision-making by consensus where possible.
Ideally a chairperson should:
- communicate effectively with media and external stakeholders (liaise and represent the Environmental Water Advisory Group effectively)
- understand New South Wales's water management arrangements, including the significance of environmental water in meeting Murray Darling Basin Plan commitments
- understand the role of water for local and regional communities and their environments- have a knowledge of, or background understanding of, the stakeholders in the valley and their perspectives.
Application form for chairperson
Information submitted on this form, including any personal details will be a matter of public record and will be stored in the NSW Government records system by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. You can find out more about how the department handles the personal information it collects online by reading the department's privacy management plan. By submitting this form, you consent to the collection and use of your personal information in accordance with this plan.
Submitting your application
Submit this form automatically by 5 pm Friday 2 May 2025.
The department is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity, work, health and safety, cultural diversity and ethical work practices and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds. If you require access to information via a different process, are speech or hearing impaired or require reasonable adjustment in the application process please email: [email protected]