Executive team
Our core business activities are divided into four streams – Operations and Planning, Corporate and Finance, Project Delivery and People Culture and Safety – headed by General Managers and Head Of’s reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer.
The Chief Executive Officer is appointed by the Board of Directors which has the legislative authority to perform the functions of the organisation and is ultimately responsible for legal compliance, corporate governance and risk management.
David Hughes-Owen, BEng (Civil) AICD, GLWA
Chief Executive Officer
David is a civil engineer who has been working in the water industry for almost 30 years, joining Busselton Water in September 2023. His most recent position saw him as General Manager Service Delivery overseeing Operations, Maintenance of water and wastewater treatment and networks at TasWater for 3.5 years. David previously worked with Water Corporation as Head of Asset Investment Planning, and prior to that as Regional Business Manager for the Great Southern Region of Western Australia. During his twenty plus-year tenure with the Western Australian Water Corporation he delivered state-wide infrastructure growth and renewal planning and investment programs and led a diverse workforce that undertook a broad range of business, planning, operational and maintenance activities across a large geographical area. His experience covers the full gamut of industry operations, including; rural and metropolitan water source, treatment and networks, sewerage network and treatment, and urban and rural drainage conveyance systems.
Tracie Bishop, BBA, CPA
General Manager Corporate and Finance
Tracie Bishop joined Busselton Water in April 2020, bringing more than two decades’ experience in local government and the private sector, predominantly in roles with a strong focus on finance and management. She is a Chartered Practicing Accountant and has particular strengths in strategy and integrated planning, finance, governance, human resources, occupational health and safety, and environmental compliance. A proven leader, Tracie most recently held a senior management role for a regional shire, overseeing its corporate and community services division and acting as CEO when required. Outside of work, Tracie revels in her love for fitness and the outdoors, and also enjoys spending time with her family.
Dr Stacey Hamilton, CF, PhD (Chemistry)
General Manager Operations and Planning
Dr Stacey Hamilton commencement with Busselton Water December 2024, previously working with Water Corporation and has been involved in the Groundwater Replenishment Scheme (GWR) since 2010. Stacey is the technical expert in Australia for the GWR scheme and was awarded a Winston Churchill Fellowship in 2022 and is also a fellow of the Peter Cullen Trust. With over 17 years of experience in the water industry, Stacey’s leadership skills in the delivery of water, wastewater and irrigation extends to optimising operational performance, and building and maintaining high-calibre, motivated and effective teams.
Ashleigh McConnon, MEng (Building Services), CPEng, NER
Head of Project Delivery
Ashleigh McConnon joined Busselton Water in May 2024, bringing more than 15 years of engineering consultancy experience across Australia and the United Kingdom. As a Chartered Professional Engineer, she has managed multidisciplinary projects across various sectors, including commercial, industrial, government, defence, education, and health.
Leah Darch, MHRMgt, MAHRI
Head of People Culture and Safety
With over 25 years of experience in human resources and workplace health and safety, Leah is committed to creating an inclusive and safe work environment. She has successfully led teams in developing policies, maintaining legislative compliance, training programs, and safety and wellbeing initiatives. Known for her strategic approach, Leah balances employee needs with organisational goals, driving positive change towards fostering an engaging workplace culture.
