THE EXECUTIVE leading QuayLink, TasPorts’ redevelopment of Devonport berths including the TT Line terminal, has resigned.
The departure of project manager Sam Wilson-Haffenden is being characterised by local media as a further exodus of senior management from TasPorts, which began last October when COO Stephen Casey was terminated, and a continuation of the fallout following problems with price and delivery of TT Line’s new ropaxes and East Devonport terminal. (Mr Casey is now the CEO of Incat Tasmania.)
TasPorts CEO Anthony Donald said: “Mr Wilson-Haffenden is moving on from TasPorts to another role delivering State-based projects.
“He has played a significant role in the delivery of work across our Port of Devonport QuayLink Project, most recently overseeing the completion of our dredge, reclaim and new wharf infrastructure work at Berth Three in early July.
“We wish him well in his future endeavours.”
Mr Donald said there was great depth in the Major Projects, Assets and Technical Services Division and the Major Projects Team, and Mr Wilson-Haffenden “leaves behind a highly effective project delivery team and systems that will ensure ongoing successful project delivery whilst we recruit.”
It is noteworthy, however, that Mr Wilson-Haffenden’s departure comes just over a month after Tasmanian premier Jeremy Rockcliff said he had lost patience with shortcomings and delays in readying infrastructure for TT Line’s new ferries, and drafted additional management resources.
Two key appointments have been made, with Ben Moloney, then responsible for the management of the delivery of the $786 million new Bridgewater Bridge outside Hobart, brought in to collaborate with TT-Line and TasPorts project directors to ensure delivery; and infrastructure delivery expert, Peter Gemell, appointed to oversee the project.
A Public Accounts Committee inquiry – still ongoing – into the delays also revealed considerable friction between TasPorts and TT Line over the latter’s management of its share of QuayLink.
