Ports Australia’s Business and Operations conference concluded today in Townsville. The inaugural event attracted 140 professionals from around the country for 17 presentations over two days.

Ports Australia chief executive Mike Gallacher said the support and interest from delegates reflect the passion for progress people in this sector have.

“What our delegates heard here in Townsville over the past two days has been cutting edge. People from various parts of the sector looking at best practise and asking how we can do it even better?”

“Australia is growing at a historically rapid rate both in freight and population. The speakers we heard from over the last two days are thinking of ways to support this growth sustainably and efficiently.”

“Projects like tidal energy generation in Gladstone. Teaming up with Mako and local business to produce a prototype turbine generating energy from the tide flowing through the port area. This is the first generation of an energy source that could be powering Australian households in the future.”

“We heard about new LNG transfer procedures. Moving an energy source that is both emissions low compared to traditional sources and a key Australian export.”

“Industry building projects like RoRo (roll on roll off ships) upgrades in Mackay helping move more industrial machinery into Queensland for less.”

“Whether it was finance, human resources, climate change mitigation or biosecurity, the talks were all connected by a desire to improve and help the sector grow.”

“I’d like to of course thank the speakers for sharing their knowledge, the delegates for travelling to Townsville and the Port of Townsville's Ranee Crosby and her supportive team,” Mike Gallacher concluded.

Photos from the conference HERE

Speakers included:

Mark Bailey, Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads

Drew Penny, General Manager of Operations Port of Townsville

Ash Sinha, Ports Australia

Simon Mortensen, DHI

Susan Kropman, Department of Agriculture and Water Resources

Richard Haward, Gladstone Ports Corporation

Renita Garard (OAM), Chair of the Port of Townsville

Ian Vanderbeek, Aviator Group

Brendan Curtis, OMC International

Jeanine Drummond, Port Authority of NSW

Andrew Brown, Smit Lamnalco

Matt Johnston, Australian Maritime Safety Authority

Peter Creeden, MPC International

Jill Abel, Australian Cruise Association

Darren Fursman, North Queensland Bulk Ports

Luke Bettesworth, Engage Marine

Marcus John, TT Club

Emmanuel Papagiannakis, Victorian International Container Terminal

Mike Gallacher, Ports Australia Chief Executive

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