I WOULD like to express my thanks for the support received from Murray Irrigation Ltd shareholders at the general meeting on Wednesday, April 10.
Thanks to everyone who took the time to talk with me, hosted information sessions and for the overwhelming vote of confidence in my role on the MIL board of directors.
I was humbled by the support and warmth received, especially over the past two months, and it has certainly reinforced my appreciation and commitment to the MIL community.
Now the vote has concluded I encourage everyone to move forward in a positive manner, to build a successful company of which we can all be proud.
I recognise and appreciate those shareholders who voted in favour of the resolutions at the general meeting, and assure you I will be working diligently to represent your best interests as shareholders by contributing strongly to board debate on governance, strategic planning, and financial and physical performance.
My thanks to everyone who cast a vote; further increasing the shareholder voting percentages in the future will be important for the company.
I have spoken to many people in recent months and there were clear common messages from shareholders, regardless of how individuals voted.
I have heard that across the MIL footprint, desired outcomes are:
1. The efficient and cost-effective delivery of irrigation water.
2. A company that financially and physically provisions for the intergenerational maintenance of the unique MIL infrastructure.
3. Effective, mature and successful advocacy on behalf of shareholders and the broader community, especially with the Federal and NSW Governments.
4. Nurturing and continued development of our staff, systems and processes.
As I have discussed with many of you, I believe MIL has a strong business plan to help us achieve these objectives and the company is well on the way to their delivery. I strongly believe there was no mandate to change these objectives, and that ‘mandate’ is a word used by politicians, not competent company directors whose focus must be on the company and its various stakeholders, in particular shareholders, staff, customers and the broader community.
A positive that has come from the lead-up to last week’s meeting has been the increased level of communication I enjoyed with shareholders, especially at the smaller gatherings where it was possible to interact with a diverse group. I welcomed the feedback from female and younger shareholders, and can assure you I listened to what you had to say.
It has at times been difficult for some of these individuals to have their voices heard in the more traditional ‘town hall’ style meetings, which can be dominated by the same personalities. These small gatherings provided valuable lessons on how MIL can improve our communication with both the shareholder and stakeholder base.
Finally, I would like to again thank everyone very much for your support and friendship. I will be working extremely hard to ensure I do not let you down.
Robert Burbury
Murray Irrigation Ltd non member director
