The Andrews Labor Government has appointed the inaugural Chief Executive Officer for the statewide commercial ports body, Ports Victoria.
Brendan Webb has been appointed to the Chief Executive Officer role for Ports Victoria following an extensive search. He brings more than two decades of experience in operational leadership roles across transport, logistics, engineering, and mining.
Mr Webb was most recently the General Manager of Trade and Operations at the North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation, leading through significant change and overseeing all commercial operations.
His 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 – recognising the city’s important role in Victoria’s ports system.
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 Government accepted all 63 recommendations handed down. This Government response to the Review is set to cut red tape, boost safety, and improve the way this essential industry operates.
As stated by Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne
“Establishing Ports Victoria has already been key to improving the operation of our commercial ports – we look forward to Brendan Webb bringing his wealth of knowledge and experience to the role.”
“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.”
As stated by Incoming Ports Victoria Chief Executive Officer Brendan Webb
“I’m thrilled to have been chosen to lead Ports Victoria in this critical period of change and look forward to working with the team to support the growth of the ports sector.”
“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.”
