The McGowan Government has appointed Noel Hart as chairperson of the Mid West Ports Authority (MWPA) Board to drive job-creating growth in the region over coming years.
Mr Hart brings significant maritime and shipping experience to the role, having previously been a General Manager for North West Shelf Shipping Service Company, a Director of numerous maritime companies, and holding his Master Mariner Class 1.
He was formerly Commissioner of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau – whose function is to improve safety and public confidence in aviation, marine and rail transport; and former chairperson for Maritime Industry Australia Limited – Australia’s peak shipping body.
In addition, Mr Hart spent 25 years in senior management of BP Shipping.
Mr Hart’s appointment takes place on February 1, 2020.
Geraldton resident Peter Creek, a former partner in a Mid-West accountancy practice, has been appointed as a Director of the MWPA Board effective February 1, 2020.
Another Geraldton resident, Kate Watson, has been reappointed as a Director of the MWPA Board for a further three-year term.
As stated by Ports Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
“Mr Hart was appointed to the Board as a Director in July 2019 bringing a wealth of maritime and shipping knowledge with his extensive industry experience.
“Noel has proven to be an invaluable contributor to Board discussion and decision making, and possesses the experience to drive diversification at Mid West Ports to ensure a sustainable trade and tourism business model.
“We very much thank outgoing Chair John Elkington for his leadership of the Mid West Port Authority during his tenure, and acknowledge his significant role in overseeing the development of the Geraldton Draft Port Master Plan.
“Mr Creek comes to the Board with a lifetime of experience as a chartered accountant and as a Geraldton resident with extensive community connections through his involvement on a number of boards.
“Mid West Ports is well placed to take advantage of a number of projects looking to come online in the Mid-West over the next five to ten years, helping to drive local jobs in Geraldton and across the region.”
