Less than two weeks after his former Victorian parliamentary colleague David Davis slammed Wodonga councillor Lisa Mahood’s appointment to the same board it can be revealed that Mr Plowman is being reimbursed for flights, accommodation and meal costs.

The 71-year-old moved to Queensland in the second half of last year but the water authority has declined to comment on the amount of money or frequency of the payments.

Chairman Frank Burfitt says that remuneration is in accordance with guidelines.

Mr Plowman is paid a base fee of $16,411 to act as a director on the board and a further $4600 for his role on three separate committees.

The board meets 10 times a year.

Mr Burfitt said the former long-serving politician was only re- imbursed for flights from Sydney.

But he also confirmed that Mr Plowman was seeking reappointment to the board he joined in late 2007, less than 12 months after stepping out of politics.

His present term expires at the end of June.

“Tony Plowman is a valued member of the board, with a strong local background and involvement in the region’s communities, as well as an intimate knowledge of the political process,” Mr Burfitt said.

“His skills, experience and willingness to participate in the setting of strategy make Tony an integral part of the team.

“Mr Plowman’s travel to board meetings is reimbursed from either Sydney or Melbourne to Wodonga as are other directors who are based in Melbourne.

“Mr Plowman meets any additional costs personally.”

None of the existing directors are based in Melbourne.

Mr Burfitt said claims by Mr Davis that board members received $30,000 a year were incorrect.

In an email response to The Border Mail he said those rates were set by the State Government.

Mr Burfitt said discussing the circumstances of the payments was a personal issue for Mr Plowman.

Mr Plowman has so far declined to comment.

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