The Liberal and Nationals Government has made a number of new appointments to the Board of Infrastructure Australia as it embarks on a new era.
In the coming weeks, the Government will also issue a revised Statement of Expectations (SoE) to guide the future direction of the key advisory body.
The new appointments mean the gender ratio of the Board will be 50 per cent female.
Our Government is rebuilding this nation. Whether it's in our most heavily populated cities or in remote corners of the country, we are delivering the infrastructure all Australians need and deserve - like Snowy Hydro 2.0, Inland Rail, the Bruce Highway upgrade, Outback Way, and WestConnex.
These projects are improving livelihoods, creating and protecting jobs the length and breadth of Australia, driving economic growth and rebuilding our economy.
We are delivering these projects, and more, through our record $110 billion, 10-year infrastructure plan. This is an investment in Australia's future.
Our pipeline of projects will better connect our regions, meet our national freight challenge, get Australians home sooner and safer, and build a stronger and more resilient Australia.
Under the revised SoE, Infrastructure Australia will have a stronger focus on rural, regional and remote infrastructure priorities - something only the Liberal and Nationals Government believes is important.
Our Government is on the side of regional Australia, and we will always fight to give regional Australians the same opportunities as people living in metropolitan areas. That includes the infrastructure needed to ensure rural, regional and remote communities can grow and prosper.
To lead the organisation in this new direction, the Government has appointed Cr Colin Murray as the new Chair of the Board, bringing a fresh perspective to the helm of Infrastructure Australia.
Cr Murray has more than two decades of experience in the construction industry and considerable knowledge of local infrastructure issues in regional areas, gained through previous roles including Chair of Regional Cities New South Wales and Deputy Chair of Regional Capitals Australia.
As Mayor of Tamworth Regional Council, he has overseen several major infrastructure projects that have helped underpin the city's growth. These include a wastewater treatment plant and effluent reuse farm, major road upgrades, and the Tamworth Rail Freight Intermodal Terminal.
Cr Murray, who is also currently a Councillor of the University of New England, has been appointed to the role for three years, commencing on 1 December 2021.
Cr Murray is a champion of regional Australia and we look forward to him guiding Infrastructure Australia into the future.
In addition to Cr Murray, the Government has also appointed six new Board members for three-year terms, including:
- Ms Vicki Meyer is the Chief Executive Officer of Deniliquin Freighters and has more than 30 years' experience in agribusiness. She also has an extensive background in the finance sector and considerable knowledge of transport and water infrastructure.
- Cr Vonnette Mead is the Operations Manager of building company Meadcon and a former Board member of the Tasmanian branch of Master Builders Australia. She is currently a member of the Tasmanian Building and Construction Training Board and a Councillor at Latrobe Council.
- Ms Amanda Cooper is a Director of Urban Utilities in Queensland and a former Brisbane City Councillor. She has a deep understanding of local government, specifically in the fields of infrastructure planning and delivery, and urban planning and development.
- Ms Elizabeth Schmidt currently sits on the Board of the Dalrymple Community Cultural Centre Trust and is a former Mayor of the Charters Towers Regional Council. She has extensive experience in local government and in the transport sector.
- Dr Vanessa Guthrie AO has an extensive background in the energy, mining, communications and transport sectors. She currently holds non-executive director positions at Santos Ltd, Tronox Holdings, AdBri Limited and Lynas Rare Earths Ltd. She is a former Chair of the Minerals Council of Australia Board.
- Mr Robert Moffat is the Chief Executive Officer of the Australasian Centre for Rail Innovation and Vice-Chair of the International Railway Research Board. He has extensive experience in engineering and planning gained from a long career in the transport sector.
These appointees have been chosen due to their breadth of experience relevant to the functions of Infrastructure Australia. Their skills will complement those already on the Board.
The Government thanks outgoing Board members for their important contribution to Infrastructure Australia's work.
Infrastructure Australia is Australia's independent infrastructure advisor, providing research and advice to governments, industry and the community on the infrastructure investments and reforms that will benefit all Australians.
