Three new Central Highlands board appointments, made by Water Minister Lisa Neville this month, include two women. This takes the board’s ratio to four women and four men, not including managing director Paul O’Donohue.

Central Highlands new board members are Angeleen Jenkins, Jodi Heath and James Hallam, however, the organisation did not provide any further details.

Minister Neville confirmed women now held more than 50 per cent of seats of water boards across western Victoria and 50 per cent of chairmen in the state’s west were female.

Women also hold 50 per cent of seats of Catchment Management Authority boards.

“We want to ensure women have a seat at the table, and are part of the decision making for Victoria’s water security,” Minister Neville said. “We’re unapologetic in our determination to promote inclusiveness and equality in our water sector, which is why it’s fantastic to see highly experienced and skilled women in senior roles.”

Minister Neville said new appointments reflect priorities set out in Water for Victoria, which identified the need to promote gender equality and diversity within the water sector, including opportunities for traditional owners across the sector.

In 2015, more than 50 per cent of water board seats were held by women, but some individual boards still comprised of more men overall.

She said the appointment of all board members was a robust and fair process, based on applicants’ skill and merit.