Leadership

Mr Peter Court 

Non-executive Chair (appointed 1 October 2025- 31 May 2029)

Peter is a master mariner and senior maritime executive with extensive experience across global shipping, offshore energy and port operations. He began his career at sea as a BHP Transport cadet, later serving on LNG carriers, bulk carriers, Antarctic support vessels and deep-water exploration ships, before moving into senior leadership roles in Australia’s offshore energy and maritime services sectors.

Peter has served as a marine pilot and as Chairman & Managing Director of Port Phillip Sea Pilots, and holds directorships with Offshore Specialist Ships Australia and Australian Overseas Marine. In 2020, he founded Court Marine Consultancy, advocating for a stronger Australian-controlled maritime and shipping capability.

As Chair of Port of Townsville, Peter is committed to strengthening Australia’s maritime resilience while ensuring the port continues to drive regional prosperity - supporting trade, enabling commerce, creating jobs and fostering sustainable community growth in Northern Queensland.

Ms Heidi Turner 

Non-executive Director (appointed 1 October 2025 - 31 May 2029)

Heidi is a Townsville-based strategic communications and stakeholder engagement specialist, Non-Executive Director and founder of Crystal Clear Public Relations. With more than 30 years’ experience across Australia, the UK and Europe, she is known for delivering trusted, politically astute advice in complex operating environments, including infrastructure, transport and highly regulated industries.

Heidi’s expertise spans strategic communications, marketing, media, stakeholder engagement, governance and regional economic development. A proactive connector, she works across government, industry and community to navigate complexity, manage risk and deliver practical, long-term outcomes.

With more than 17 years’ board and advisory experience in North Queensland, across infrastructure, health, education, transport, arts, national sport and not-for-profits, Heidi brings strong governance capability, independent judgement and a deep understanding of the stakeholder environment in which the port operates. She also serves as a Non-Executive Director of Regional Development Australia Townsville and North West Queensland and The Cure Starts Now Australia.

Through Crystal Clear PR, Heidi has advised more than 200 organisations on strategy, communications and stakeholder engagement. She also served as CEO of the Townsville Chamber of Commerce, where she led organisational renewal and strengthened industry–government partnerships on key regional economic issues.

Ms Carla Polson

Non-executive Director (appointed 2 October 2025 - 31 May 2029)

Carla is a dual-qualified Australian/New York lawyer with more than two decades experience advising boards, executive teams and financial institutions in Australia and New Zealand on complex corporate transactions, including debt and equity capital raisings, restructurings and M&A. Throughout her career with leading Australian and international law firms, she has advised across a broad range of sectors, including energy and resources, infrastructure, transport, financial services and technology. Carla brings extensive experience in disclosure, corporate reporting, regulatory compliance and corporate governance across multiple jurisdictions.

Carla holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts (International Relations/German) from The University of Queensland and is admitted in New York, the High Court of Australia and the Supreme Court of Queensland. Carla is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Ms Sarah Bowrey

Non-executive Director (appointed 15 October 2026 - 30 September 2029)

Sarah is a highly experienced chartered accountant and business advisor with over 25 years of professional experience advising businesses, investors and families on taxation matters, financial management, business structuring, succession planning and strategic growth.

As a Partner of PVW Partners, Sarah plays a key role in the firm's leadership, overseeing governance, financial performance and strategic development. She has extensive experience assisting privately owned businesses, corporations, self-managed superannuation funds and high-net-worth individuals to navigate complex commercial and taxation issues while achieving their long-term objectives.

Sarah brings a strong understanding of governance, risk, finance and regional economic development. Her current appointment to the Townsville Enterprise Finance, Audit and Risk Committee reflects her commitment to supporting sustainable organisational growth and sound governance practices.

Sarah holds a Bachelor of Commerce from James Cook University and is a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

Mr John Hathaway

Non-executive Director (appointed 15 October 2026 - 30 September 2029)

John has dedicated more than 40 years to serving Australia and the Townsville community, bringing extensive leadership, governance and Defence logistics experience to his role as a Director of the Port of Townsville.

After graduating from the Royal Military College, Duntroon, John served 30 years in the Australian Army, undertaking regimental, instructional and staff appointments, including command at Troop, Squadron and Battalion levels. His operational service included United Nations observer missions in Sinai and Lebanon, and appointment as Logistic Component Commander during Australia’s immediate disaster relief response in Banda Aceh following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

Having spent most of his military career in Townsville, John developed a longstanding professional relationship with the Port through his logistics responsibilities with the 3rd Brigade. He subsequently commanded 10th Force Support Battalion at Ross Island Barracks including Army’s 35th Water Transport Squadron, while maintaining technical command responsibilities for all Ships Army Departments (SADs) embarked aboard the Royal Australian Navy’s amphibious ships.

Following his military career, John served as the Member for Townsville in the 54th Parliament of Queensland, contributed as a member of the Parliamentary Community Health and Services Committee and the Select Ethics Committee. He was also the Government Member on the Jezzine Barracks Trust.

John has maintained a strong commitment to community service through education, sporting and veterans’ organisations. He remains a Board Member of Everglow Community Care and Townsville City Netball Association and is a Life Service Member of RSL Queensland.

He has also continued contributing professionally to Defence planning, specialising in major amphibious and littoral exercises along the Queensland coast.

John holds a Bachelor of Arts from UNSW, a Graduate Diploma in Transport and Distribution Management from RMIT, and is a graduate of the Canadian Forces College in Toronto.

Mr Stephen Motti

Non-executive Director (appointed 2 October 2025 - 31 May 2029)

Stephen has over 30 years of experience in the town planning, development, and construction sector.

He has provided expert planning advice on diverse matters and contributed to the delivery of a number of significant projects across the North. He understands the capacity of the Region and is a passionate advocate for investment in it.

Stephen backs his City with longstanding contributions to professional and community organisations. This has included as a past President of the Townsville Chamber of Commerce, and service on Boards including the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, the Townsville Industrial Development Board and the Townsville Fire.

A qualified town planner who graduated from the University of New England (Australia), he is a Fellow of the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) and of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (FAICD).

Mr Scott Stewart

Non-executive Director (appointed 2 October 2025 - 31 May 2029) 

Scott was a former Queensland politician. He served as the Labor member for Townsville in the Queensland Legislative Assembly from 2015 until his defeat in the 2024 state election.

Prior to politics, Scott was a high school principal and educator for almost 30 years and spent most of that time in the Townsville region. He was the principal of Pimlico State High School when he contested the seat of Townsville.

During his time in education, Scott established a boxing program, aimed at helping under-achieving indigenous students re-engage with schooling through sport.

During his time in politics, Scott served as the Chair of the Education and Tourism Parliamentary Committee overseeing several bills through parliament. In his second term in office, he served as Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.

More recently, Scott served as the Minister for Resources and Critical Minerals in his third term in office. During that time he developed the Queensland Resource Industry Development Plan creating the vision for the resource sector of the next 30 years. Additionally, Scott developed the Critical Minerals Queensland Plan to help unlock the resource rich North West Minerals province of its critical minerals to the rest of the world.

Scott travelled to London, South Korea, Washington DC and New York on trade missions for the state government to enhance trade partnerships and create investment opportunities in the mining industry.

Scott holds a Bachelor of Education and a Master of Education in Leadership and Management from the Queensland University of Technology.

Ms Ranee Crosby

Chief Executive Officer

Ranee has over 25 years’ experience in the port and maritime industry. As CEO of Port of Townsville Limited, she is responsible for the strategic leadership, direction and operation of the Ports of Townsville and Lucinda – vital trade gateways for Northern Australia. 

Ranee has held executive roles across strategy, business development, commercial operations, infrastructure planning, property development and governance.  She works in close partnership with stakeholders to deliver complex infrastructure investments and regional development initiatives.  Her leadership is grounded in a strong belief in collaboration and informed by deep experience in port operations and supply chain logistics.

She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from James Cook University and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.  Ranee sits on a number of boards and committees, including Ports Australia, Queensland Ports Association and Townsville Enterprise Limited.

Ms Vikki Brown

General Manager People, Technology & Performance

Vikki Brown is a distinguished executive and serves as the General Manager of People, Technology, and Performance at the Port of Townsville. With a career spanning over two decades and encompassing both international and domestic experiences, Vikki brings a wealth of expertise and leadership to her role.

Having navigated diverse industries and cultural landscapes, Vikki's international experience has honed her strategic vision and global perspective. Her tenure at BHP, a global mining leader, saw her spearheading transformative initiatives across multiple continents, elevating functions to achieve top quartile performance on a global scale.

Backed by a Bachelor's degree in Organisational Learning and a Masters Degree in Global Business Administration, Vikki leverages her extensive knowledge and background to orchestrate operational excellence, driving innovation and growth. Her multifaceted skills in human resources, technology, business development, and transformation play a pivotal role in propelling the port towards its strategic goals, both domestically and on the global stage.

Mr David McLoughlin

General Manager Operations, Projects and Safety

Dave has significant experience as a senior executive leading critical infrastructure teams in both Victoria and Queensland. He has worked extensively in operations, maintenance, engineering and asset management across aviation, communication, information technology and transportation fields. Dave is a strong believer in cross functional collaboration to achieve good sustainable outcomes for both the community and investors alike.  

Dave holds a Bachelor of Engineering Management (Hons) from the University of Lincoln, is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is a Fellow of both Engineers Australia and the Institute of Leadership and Management.

Ms Jackie Dalton

General Manager Assets and Environment

Jackie is a senior infrastructure and operations executive with more than 20 years’ experience across ports, logistics, mining and supply chain.

She brings deep expertise in asset strategy, capital investment and governance, and was instrumental in developing and delivering Aurizon’s ports and terminals asset management framework. Jackie has led major operational transformations, including new port developments and asset turnarounds that support regional growth.

She works closely with executive teams and boards to align long-term asset performance, risk and environmental stewardship with strategic outcomes.

Jackie holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Materials) (Hons) and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Mr Drew Penny

General Manager Business Development

Drew brings a wealth of industry, operational and leadership experience gained over 20 years in the mining & ports sectors to the Port of Townsville.   As General Manager Business Development his focus is on leading growth for the Port in areas such as Trade, Cruise, Defence and Property Development.

Drew’s management experience covers various areas including operations, logistics, maintenance, projects, organisational change and commercial.  He believes in building collaborative relationships, driving process discipline, and delivering safe successful outcomes for the business. 

Drew holds a Bachelor of Engineering – Mechatronics (Hons) from James Cook University.  Drew is also a Director of the Townsville Maritime Museum.

Ms Katrina Small

General Manager Corporate Services

With over 20 years’ experience leading commercial and strategic functions across the infrastructure, resources, and energy sectors, Katrina brings extensive expertise in financial management, governance, and organisational performance.

Her experience spans both Australian and international operations, where she has led enterprise planning, commercial strategy, and business case development for major capital programs. Katrina has a strong focus on driving organisational performance through sound governance, commercial discipline, and effective project delivery, and has worked closely with government and industry partners to deliver complex infrastructure initiatives that create lasting regional and economic value.

Katrina holds a Bachelor of Laws and Commerce from James Cook University, is a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA), and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).