7 November 2025
At Murrumbidgee Irrigation’s (MI) 27th Annual General Meeting held in Leeton on Thursday, Chair, Tracey Valenzisi, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to working closely with customers and the community to shape a sustainable future.
“Water drives everything that we do,” she said
“Our focus isn’t just on talking about efficient irrigation—we’re taking action to make it a reality, by strengthening our collaboration with both Murray and Coleambally Irrigation, and also with key irrigation organisations.”
“Together, we’re working to minimise the impacts of further water buybacks and other reductions to the available water resource that may result from legislative or licensing changes, to safeguard the long-term viability of our regions.”
Ms Valenzisi stressed, as always, MI’s strategy focuses on infrastructure projects that generate water savings under the Murray Darling Basin Plan.
“We’ve made significant progress advancing submissions for water efficiency projects that will benefit our business, customers and the community,” she added.
With new technology now in place, MI is now embarking on the journey to fully understand what automation can deliver and how it can create real value for our shareholders.
“Our future success depends on planning today. We’re exploring avenues for growth and innovation, with the Board carefully assessing each opportunity to ensure it makes the best use of our assets and delivers lasting value for our customers and shareholders.”
CEO, Philip Holliday, addressing his first MI AGM, shared his enthusiasm for the role and the organisation’s future.
“Looking ahead, we’re preparing for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead- particularly considering potential further water buybacks over the next few years,” he said.
Reflecting on his first two-months as CEO, Mr Holliday was full of praise for the commitment of the MI team, and the passion of its customers.
“I was drawn to this role because of MI’s deep-rooted impact on the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area and its communities. Over the past few months, that impact has come to life for me—through the people, the places, and the passion that drives this organisation.”'
“I’ve enjoyed being out in the field, and at the offices in Griffith and Leeton, meeting the MI team from across the business. Whether it was walking the channels, sitting in the control room, or chatting over a cuppa, one thing stood out: our people love what they do. Their pride in their work and commitment to our customers is inspiring.”
“Over the past few months, I’ve had also the pleasure of meeting many of our customers. What’s clear is that they’re diverse, innovative, and eager to embrace new technologies to maximise water efficiency.”
At the meeting Shareholders welcomed the reappointment of Member Director, Hayley Sergi. They also approved one change to the constitution.