Shanahan new chair of Pilbara Commission

Former Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA chief executive Tim Shanahan has been appointed as the new chairman of the Pilbara Development Commission with Port Hedland Port Authority chief executive Andre Bush to be his deputy.

The announcement is below:

Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls has announced the appointment of Mr Tim Shanahan as the new chair of the Pilbara Development Commission and Mr Andre Bush as the deputy chair.

Mr Shanahan is the director, Energy and Minerals Initiative at The University of Western Australia and has significant experience and achievements in government and the resources sector.

Prior to his position with the university, Mr Shanahan was the chief executive of the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia and is currently on the board of a number of organisations including the WA Energy Research Alliance, the Australian Centre for Natural Gas Management and the Royal Automobile Club of WA (Senior Vice President).

"Mr Shanahan's extensive experience, networks and knowledge will enable him to provide valuable corporate and strategic direction to the board. I am delighted that he has accepted the position of chair, particularly at this time of great opportunity and challenge for the Pilbara," Mr Grylls said.

The Minister also praised the contribution of the outgoing chair, Councillor Stan Martin, who guided the commission for the past three and a half years during a period of enormous growth and development in the Pilbara.

Mr Bush is the chief executive officer of the Port Hedland Port Authority and has high level skills in business development and project management. He is currently an Executive Committee member of Ports Australia and chair of the West Australian Port Authorities CEO's Association meetings.

"I am very pleased to appoint Mr Bush to the deputy chair as he will bring to the position his passion for and knowledge of the Pilbara region as well as his wide national and international project experience," Mr Grylls said.

The Minister also announced that Mr Larry Softley, the manager Community and Economic Services at the Shire of Ashburton had been appointed to the board as a community representative. Mr Softley is a long term local resident who has extensive knowledge of the region and indigenous issues. He has previously held the position of chief executive officer with the Gumala Aboriginal Corporation.

"I look forward to the board providing strategic leadership and to successfully implement the Royalties for Regions, Regional Grants Scheme," he said.