Crucial amalgamated port decisions due

Key decisions are expected to be made at the first board meeting of the newly amalgamated Bunbury, Albany and Esperance Ports later this month.

Last week, Transport Minister Dean Nalder appointed businessman Roger Hussey as the independent chairman of the board of the Southern Ports Authority, which is set to operate from October 1.

Mr Hussey, who is on the Landgate Board, told the South Western Times the meeting would deal with a “range of important transitional issues” to form the Southern Ports Authority.

“I am pleased to be appointed as the Chair of the Southern Ports Authority board and I am glad to see the new board is experienced and well balanced, ” he said.

“It is represented by board directors from all three existing ports whose knowledge and experience will ensure continuity on the new SPA board.

“It is also complemented by independent directors with a wide range of skills.”

Mr Hussey also pledged to work with the Bunbury, Albany and Esperance ports and communities to ensure a successful merger.

Mr Hussey was appointed to the Landgate Board in 2012 by State Cabinet and has held a number of senior management and board positions in public and private companies.

He has also been a member of firms consulting on national and international projects covering business planning, economic development and feasibility studies.

State Parliament only passed legislation to form four regional ports authorities earlier this year. The four, including the Kimberley, Pilbara, Mid West and Southern Ports Authorities, were supposed to begin operating from July 1.

Problems in combining the three southern ports’ operating models caused the delay.

Mr Nalder said the appointment of an independent chairman would benefit the new authority.

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