The state government has announced the Board for Victoria’s new state-wide ports body, Ports Victoria, to be based in Geelong.
Howard Ronaldson will chair the new body, with former G21 CEO Elaine Carbines as deputy chair.
Ports Victoria brings together the Victorian Regional Channels Authority (VRCA) and Victorian Ports Corporation (Melbourne) to lead the strategic management and operation of Victorian commercial ports and waterways.
Mr Ronaldson brings extensive experience to the role as a former secretary of the Victorian Department of Infrastructure and Department of Business and Innovation. He has also been an administrator with Ambulance Victoria and most recently assessed the viability of the Port Rail Shuttle proposal for the Department of Transport.
Elaine Carbines has been chosen as deputy chairperson due to her strong regional leadership and the ability to provide critical knowledge of Geelong and the Barwon region.
Other members appointed to the board include Des Powell AM, Janice van Reyk and Peter Tuohey, with all members to work alongside the Department of Transport.
The new organisation will begin operating out of Geelong on 1 July, recognising the city’s important role in Victoria’s ports system – through GeelongPort and the future relocation of the Spirit of Tasmania.
Approximately $26 billion of locally produced and manufactured exports pass through Victoria’s commercial ports annually, handling almost a quarter of Australia’s total food and fibre exports.
With freight volumes expected to more than double over the next thirty years, the safe and efficient operation of our ports remains key to our state’s economic growth.
The establishment of Ports Victoria is a key finding from the Independent Review of the Victorian Ports System, a comprehensive review set to cut red tape, boost safety and improve the way this vital industry operates.
Source: A state government media release
