Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan today announced the appointment of former Albany port chief Brad Williamson as chair of the Great Southern Development Commission (GSDC).
Mr Williamson is a consultant on port and marine issues and has significant experience in executive roles.
He was the Chief Executive Officer of the Albany Port Authority from 2002 to 2014, and General Manager of the Port of Albany from 2014 to 2016.
Mr Williamson was appointed to the GSDC Board in 2018.
His appointment as chair replaces outgoing chair Ross Thornton, whose term expired in June 2019 after having been appointed as chair in June 2016.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
“Brad’s years of service at Albany’s port put him front and centre of the Great Southern’s economic activity, and he has been deeply intertwined in the regional community.
“He has a real understanding of the region’s core economic strengths in primary production and in its rapidly growing opportunities in aquaculture, tourism, renewable energy and education.
“At the helm of the Great Southern Development Commission, Brad will help to drive the McGowan Government’s commitment to regional diversification, economic growth and local jobs.
“I also wish to extend my great appreciation to outgoing chair Ross Thornton for his enthusiastic and dedicated service to the Board.
“Ross brought considerable knowledge and expertise to the role in key areas including local government, regional planning, construction and agriculture.”
