THE Victorian government has appointed Brendan Webb as the inaugural CEO of the state commercial ports body, Ports Victoria.
Mr Webb brings more than two decades of experience in operational leadership roles across transport, logistics, engineering, and mining.
He was most recently the general manager of trade and operations at the North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation, leading the organisation through significant change and overseeing all commercial operations.
His new role will involve overseeing the recently merged Ports Victoria and will be critical in bringing together the former Victorian Ports Corporation (Melbourne) and Victorian Regional Channels Authority into one effective organisation.
Ports Victoria began operating on 1 July and is based in Geelong.
Victorian minister for ports and freight Melissa Horne said establishing Ports Victoria has already been key to improving the operation of the state’s commercial ports.
“We look forward to Brendan Webb bringing his wealth of knowledge and experience to the role,” she said.
“Mr Webb brings invaluable insight and experience in commercial ports and will play a key role in shaping Ports Victoria – we look forward to seeing the benefits of the work he does for freight in our state.”
Mr Webb said he was thrilled to have been chose to lead Ports Victoria.
“Victoria’s ports play a crucial role to support our state’s economy and I am looking forward to the opportunity to be a part of this exciting chapter for the sector,” he said.
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, our ports’ safe and efficient operation remains key to our state’s economic growth.
The establishment of Ports Victoria was a key finding from the Independent Review of the Victorian Ports System, of which the state government accepted all 63 recommendations handed down.
