WASHINGTON: Minister for Ports, Luke Donnellan, this week announced the inaugural board members of the VPCM that included James Cain as Chair and Janice Van Reyk as Deputy Chair, along with Debbie Beale, Peter Tuohey and James Chen as new directors.
According to the Victorian Government, the new authority will focus on managing commercial shipping in Port Phillip channels, as well as emergency and marine pollution response. The board will also manage Victoria’s premier cruise shipping facility, Station Pier, which is reportedly set for a record cruise ship season in 2016-17. Minister Donnellan paid tribute to outgoing Port of Melbourne (PoMC) board members for their contribution in shaping Melbourne as the biggest container port in the nation, with a record of success.
“Now that we’ve leased the Port of Melbourne, we want to ensure that its reputation as Australia’s leading port continues to rise – and that’s exactly what the Victorian Port Corporation will do,” he said. “The board will play a key role in coordinating safer navigation in Port Phillip channels for the 3000 vessels which call at the Port of Melbourne each year. “These appointments strike the right balance of diversity, expertise and experience, and I wish all the new board members the best of luck.”
Meanwhile, Lonsdale Consortium also announced the appointment of Brendan Bourke as incoming Chief Executive Officer of PoMC to be effective immediately following this week’s financial close of the 50-year lease transaction with the Victorian Government. “As Australia’s largest container, automotive and general cargo port, the Port of Melbourne is a truly landmark asset and I am delighted to be joining as CEO at this exciting time in the Port of Melbourne’s proud history,” Bourke said.
“I look forward to leading the organisation and working with all stakeholders to ensure the Port upholds its track record of providing world class facilities and services to industry and being a responsible neighbour within the community.” According to PoCM, Bourke brings over 35 years of experience to the role, including a stint as the former CEO of Queensland Motorways and Chief Operating Officer of Transurban Group. Bourke replaces outgoing CEO, Nick Easy.
