Interport Global (IPG) has appointed ports and infrastructure executive Anthony Donald as its new chief executive to lead the company’s long-term investment programme aimed at transforming Gladstone into one of Australia’s leading freight and logistics hubs.
Project Velocity represents a proposed AUS$20 billion pipeline of investments across central Queensland, spanning ports, shipping, energy infrastructure, industrial facilities, cold storage, and road and rail developments. The initiative is designed to strengthen regional export capability, improve supply chain resilience and drive economic growth.
Donald said the project closely aligns with the Queensland government’s infrastructure priorities.
“We’ve just seen the Queensland Budget handed down and this project couldn’t align more strongly with it, building regional infrastructure, export capability and resilient supply chains, while bringing private-sector investment to support long-term jobs and economic growth in Gladstone and central Queensland,” he said.
Plans include the development of an inland road and rail port at Calliope, a 48,000-square-metre cold storage and reefer container facility, an industrial park for advanced manufacturing, renewable energy infrastructure and expanded shipping links into Asia.
Highlighting Gladstone’s strategic advantages, Donald said the city was well placed to capitalise on growing freight demand.
“Gladstone is perfectly positioned to join Australia’s ranks as an international freight hub, especially as Australia’s freight and logistics networks face increasing pressure from growing trade volumes, larger vessels and port congestion,” he said.
“Gladstone is one of the best deep channel ports in Australia, let alone the world, and is well placed to receive these mega-cargo ships more readily than other ports.”
IPG chair Leon Allen welcomed the appointment. “Anthony brings a rare combination of operational, strategic and governance experience across ports, aviation and major infrastructure,” he said. “His deep sector expertise and proven ability to drive change will ensure the creation of long-term value for the company.”
Donald previously served as chief executive of TasPorts and has held senior leadership roles at the Port of Melbourne and Melbourne Airport.
