New MD in the top G-MW seat

But his new customers include a big number of small businesses; farmers who rely on efficient, cost-effective and timely water delivery.

“When they want the water they need it on time, as promised. Understanding the network, the assets and the way services are delivered, is the learning curve for me over the next while.

“The assets are similar in some ways but the customer and stakeholder landscape is more complex,” Dr Capewell said.

The weather also has a significant impact on water demand and delivery.

“It’s very challenging; a really important part of the economy for regional Victoria

“I’m very impressed with the commitment of the staff,” Dr Capewell, who comes from an engineering background, said.

For Dr Capewell, the shift has been a logical one; as GV Water managing director, he was familiar with the rural authority (Australia’s biggest) and had worked with its former MD.

His first month in the position has seen him make contact with his senior executives and visit some of the corporation’s assets. He’s also been briefed on the authority’s preparations for the next pricing plan which will be submitted at the end of next year.

GV Water had a budget of just over $100 million, G-MW’s is closer to $200 million, with more than double the number of staff.

Challenges on his agenda will include managing the impact of climate change and dealing with a system built for much larger water deliveries.

The irrigation network was designed to deliver up to 2000 Gl a year and as a result of factors like the Murray-Darling Basin buy-backs, he is faced with an organisation that has to deal with reduced delivery on an historic footprint.

He will also have to wrestle with the opportunities and threats created by artificial intelligence.

He has enjoyed the opportunity of a smooth handover from previous MD, Charmaine Quick, whose last day with the corporation was on July 31.