Profile: Paul Northey

Supporting an innovative and sustainable horticultural industry is of paramount importance for Paul Northey – the newest member of the Mallee Regional Innovation Centre’s Strategic Advisory Panel (SAP).

Paul moved to Mildura about six months ago to take on the role of managing director at Lower Murray Water (LMW). But his connection to the region isn’t new.

Paul Northey

Paul’s whole career has been based in regional Victoria, working most recently with the Department of Transport and Planning and in many roles in the water industry. His first job involved working on salinity management planning for Sunraysia – meaning Paul has almost come “full circle” with his new role at LMW.

“Water authorities, particularly in regional and rural areas, are intrinsic to the community,” Paul said.

“I am really enjoying the interaction with customers and the community and getting to know the region and its various organisations better.

“Coming in, I probably underappreciated just how much value the Mildura region provides, not only to Victoria but nationally.

“What has impressed me is the amount of innovation and a willingness for organisations to be involved in research within the water industry and the horticulture industry more broadly.”

Paul Northey (middle) at the 2023 VicWater Annual Conference.

Paul said being on the SAP was a great opportunity to learn more about what is happening in horticulture, connect with industry representatives and groups, support research, and share LMW’s knowledge and connections.

I am really excited and welcome the opportunity to play my part in terms of having a sustainable industry going forward and making sure Lower Murray Water continues to adapt as needed and strengthen our partnership with the broader horticulture industry and the region.

“Lower Murray Water is both an urban and a rural business, and the ongoing prosperity of the irrigation industry is extremely important to us.

“We need to be across the direction innovation is going and how can we better support and work with the industry, not only in terms of providing an essential service but on everything from irrigation practices to the different products now being grown and what that means in terms of our supply systems and how we can better meet customer needs.

“I think we can provide a lot of insights into the systems we operate and also support research and help irrigators with their potential innovation and achievement opportunities.”