EXPERIENCED South Australian infrastructure executive Andrew Newman has been appointed as the project director of Portalis, developer of the proposed multi-commodity deepwater port located at Cape Hardy on the Eyre Peninsula.
Mr Newman has 20 years of experience in infrastructure and project financing and advisory across a broad range of public and private sector developments and joins Portalis after 13 years as a senior infrastructure developer in the Adelaide office of Macquarie Capital, one of the joint developers of Cape Hardy.
Mr Newman's appointment comes as the $250 million project continues to progress toward a final investment decision.
"In my previous role, I led Macquarie Capital's involvement in the Cape Hardy port project and as a result I have spent considerable time with more than 200 growers on the EP," Mr Newman said.
"I am looking forward to spending more time with the EP community and bringing my infrastructure project expertise to bear in this exciting new role.
"Cape Hardy Stage I would be transformational for the EP, and this has been recognised by its inclusion in Infrastructure Australia's priority project list, a $25 million grant commitment from the Federal Government, and the endorsement of local and regional bodies such as Regional Development Australia Eyre Peninsula and the Eyre Peninsula Local Government Association."
Portalis project chair Rob Kerin said Mr Newman's appointment represented "a significant step" in the build out of a high-quality Portalis project management team, backed by Eyre Peninsula Cooperative Bulk Handling, Iron Road and Macquarie Capital, and in delivering this critical infrastructure project for the EP.
"This project presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the EP," he said.
"It provides EPCBH and its grower members with a rare chance to take greater control over critical grain infrastructure by having a meaningful stake in the port.
"It's absolutely critical we get this right and Andrew's knowledge of the project and significant experience leading major infrastructure projects ensures he is ideally suited to drive this project forward."
EPCBH chief executive officer Tim Scholz also welcomed Mr Newman's appointment, noting his demonstrated commitment to engaging with local growers.
"Andrew has been an integral part of this project for more than 12 months and understands that growers want more competition, greater control of their future and meaningful long-term equity in critical grain infrastructure," he said.
"He's racked up thousands of kilometres of travel across the EP listening to growers on the issues that matter to them to ensure Cape Hardy delivers what they need now and long-term security for the local grain industry."
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