Dr Simon Banks is the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder (CEWH). The CEWH manages water for the environment on behalf of the Australian Government to support the rivers and wetlands of the Murray-Darling Basin.

Dr Banks brings a wealth of experience to the position and a good understanding of the work, having previously been in a senior role at the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office (CEWO) from 2009 to 2014.

Over nearly three decades Simon’s experience in natural resource management spans policy development and implementation, research and analysis, and program implementation. Simon has held senior positions in department, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, New Zealand Department of Conservation, and the NSW and Queensland governments.

Simon holds Bachelor of Applied Science (coastal management), a Master of Applied Science from Southern cross University and a Doctor of Philosophy (biological sciences and decision support) from The University of Queensland. He is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.