He acknowledges there have been difficult times during the last four years, but believes there is currently the right level of experience, respect, broad thinking and professionalism on the Board.
He is seeking re-election to ensure the local irrigation company can continue with Board stability and an ongoing focus on growing the business.
Mr Marshall is passionate about many things: his family, the family dairy business, irrigation farming and the broader community.
He understands the importance of irrigation farming to regional prosperity and believes that, despite the challenges, it has a strong future.
“I am confident in the future of irrigation farming, but we must embrace change through positive commercial solutions that allow us to build a productive region,” he said.
“The current MIL board of directors has been able to oversee financial stability, which is imperative if we are to maintain the system for future generations.
“We have also developed commercial solutions to limit the impacts of the Basin Plan.
“It is very difficult to change government policy, but we have been able to develop closer relationships with governments to help them understand the contribution of irrigation farming not just to our region, but to the national economy.
“There is a better chance of gaining government support if you are working with politicians, not constantly against them, and this ultimately benefits MIL shareholders.”
Going forward, Mr Marshall knows there is a lot still to be done, with important decisions in the next board’s tenure that will lay the foundations for company and regional future.
“We must continue to provide a cost effective and reliable delivery system which attracts people to our food and fibre growing industries.
“The board understands the importance of building value into delivery entitlements.
“I want to make it clear that I do not support shutting down parts of the system and cutting water off, allowing the business to shrink. The structure of DEs is a complex issue that must be addressed in a methodical and well-considered manner, but it needs to be done without creating winners and losers.
“If re-elected I will continue to work with the MIL team to investigate and deliver opportunities that benefit shareholders. The decisions we make today will influence how the company looks in the years and decades ahead.
“To make sound decisions you need a balanced board with the capacity to debate issues in a robust yet respectful way, and support the majority decision once it has been made.”
Mr Marshall said he wants to emphasise to shareholders his strong view, from board experience, that “we can’t afford to go backwards”.
“We have a team at board and staff level that can continue the progress which has been made.
“For the benefit of our company, our shareholders and the region in general it is important we allow the board to continue building on the foundations that have been laid.”
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