New Board member provides further diversity

The Port of Townsville is pleased to welcome the appointment of local Townsville lawyer Connie Navarro and the reappointment of Townsville businessman Brad Webb to the Board of Directors.

Ms Navarro, who has lived in Townsville for more than 20 years, has a wealth of experience in the law, specialising in agribusiness, mining, energy and resources and infrastructure.

Mr Webb, who operates a multi-million-dollar property and transport business and founded North Queensland based charity, Food Relief NQ, was reappointed and has served on the Board since 2011.

Port of Townsville Chair Renita Garard said it was important to bolster the Board’s breadth of experience and skills further.

``Connie’s appointment will add diversity on our Board, providing legal skills and a strong understanding of industries in the region as we embark on the next chapter of our development which includes undertaking the biggest infrastructure project in the Port’s 156-year history, the $193m Channel Upgrade project,’’ she said.

``As the Secretary of MITEZ (Mount Isa to Townsville Economic Development Zone), Ms Navarro also appreciates the significance of the world’s richest mineral producing areas, the North West Mineral Province and the region's abundant agriculture opportunities to the Port and North Queensland’s economy.

``I am also particularly pleased about the re-appointment of Brad Webb who has been a vital part of steering the direction of the Port for the past decade. His experience in construction and development is invaluable, and he has an unwavering commitment to supporting local industry and jobs and growth for North Queensland.’’

Ms Navarro, who was a partner and senior lawyer practising in Townsville, and last year founded boutique law firm Connie Navarro Legal, said she was excited to help steer the Port with its future plans.

``The Port of Townsville is crucial to development and I am looking forward to being part of the team that is helping to shape the future of North Queensland,’’ she said.

Mr Webb said that he was pleased to continue his involvement with the development of the Port, which was one of the most critical pieces of infrastructure for our city, region, state and country.

``More than ever in these unprecedented times, the development of our Port and its ability and capacity to grow will help with the economic recovery of our region and I am pleased to be part of this journey moving forward.’’