Retired Millicent forester Michael Bleby O.A.M. has recently been appointed by the State Government to a leadership role on a key regional committee.

He is the new deputy presiding member of the Millicent-based South East Water Conservation and Drainage Board and will hold office for the coming three years.

Mr Bleby was first appointed to the Drainage Board by the State Government a few years ago.

Meanwhile, Environment Minister David Speirs has appointed Brett McLaren as the presiding member.

Mr McLaren has been a landholder elected representative for central zone for several years and was previously the deputy presiding member.

His term as Drainage Board leader runs until October, 2024.

He has chaired the Drainage Board in an acting capacity throughout this year as previous presiding member and Millicent consultant planner Frank Brennan retired from the role at the end of 2019.