One of the overseers of Port Hedland’s massive but politically sensitive expansion, port authority chairman Ian Williams, has stepped down, making him the third key person to leave a top job at the state's ports this year.
The move comes more than six months after the resignation of Port Hedland chief executive Andre Bush, who has yet to be permanently replaced.
Both Mr Bush and Mr Williams oversaw the trebling of the port’s throughput to make it one of the world’s biggest bulk cargo ports, alongside the Dampier Port Authority’s Dampier and Cape Lambert operations that are mainly used by Rio Tinto.
The expansion was not just a logistical challenge but had political issues as well with the dominance of BHP Billiton at Port Hedland challenged by Andrew Forrest’s Fortescue Metals Group, Gina Rinehart’s Hancock Prospecting and David Flanagan’s Atlas Iron, not to mention a host of other iron ore and other commodities hopefuls.
Mr Williams departure announcement coincides with news of a joint venture between Fluor Corporation and Sinclair Knight Merz winning contracts with BHP Billiton for inner harbour work associated with the mining giant’s 100 million tonne expansion of its Pilbara operations.
Mr Williams reportedly sought an extension to ensure a smooth transition to a new CEO.
There has been significant speculation that the state government was unhappy with the busy port’s financial performance after its surplus slipped to $1.5 million last financial year from around $56 million the previous corresponding period.
The prompted a state government commissioned report which is understood to have been received by Transport Minister Troy Buswell.
The state is also reviewing all port operations, reportedly with a view to amalgamating WA’s ports under one body among various mooted changes. Draft recommendations, which were due to be released in May and then delayed until July, have not yet been made public.
Last month, Esperance Ports Sea & Land chief executive Michael Frydrych stepped down from that role after less than a year in the job.
Like a smaller version of Port Hedland, Esperance also has several miners vying for capacity to export their commodities.
Below is a release from the Port Hedland Port Authority:
It is with much regret that the Board of the Port Hedland Port Authority announces the resignation of the Chairman of the Board – Mr Ian Williams A.O. with effect from the end of July.
Ian has overseen the safe operation and efficient development of the Port Hedland Port over the past eight years and led a dedicated team in a period that has seen port trade grow every year with total port tonnage throughput increasing more than twofold from 89Mtpa to over 199Mtpa.
The Board and executive staff would like to thank Ian for his leadership and acknowledge the significant contribution he has made to the development of the Port during his tenure as Chairman.
Until a new Chairperson is appointed the duties of the Chairperson of the Board will be undertaken by the current Deputy Chairman - Mr Les Longden.
