Ports boss retiring after 30 years at firm

| Nick Dalton PORTS North chief executive officer Chris Boland is leaving the business after more than 30 years service at the end of June.

He said it had been a privilege to lead and work for Ports North in delivering regional economic growth across the Far North.

“Port North has been instrumental in driving business and trade growth in the region. Providing and facilitating infrastructure and creating opportunities for business and regional economic development has been core to the organisation,” Mr Boland said.

Some of his key achievements include:

• 30-year two port master plan for Cairns and Mourilyan which has established the

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long-term vision for both ports, including exports

• Working with customers, business groups and the state and federal governments to achieve investment funding for the Cairns Marine Precinct expansion

• Delivering the Cairns Shipping Development project to expand the Trinity Inlet channel for larger and more cruise ships

• Transforming the Cairns waterfront for the enjoyment of tourists and community members with city port development including upgrades to heritage sheds for cruise ships and Hemingway’s Brewery, and boardwalks connecting tourism and hospitality businesses along the waterfront to the Cairns Marlin Marina and Salt House/CYC precinct.

“I am proud of what the organisation has achieved for Cairns and the regions. Ports North is a great organisation with an excellent board, great staff and customers” Mr Boland said.

Ports North chairman Russell Beer said “Chris has made a significant contribution and impact during his time with Ports North, including the last 13 years as CEO.

“He has provided outstanding leadership and vision,” he said. “Chris oversaw the successful delivery of region defining projects such as Cairns Cityport and the Cairns Shipping Development Project and ensured the management and development of vital regional ports in Cape York, the Gulf of Carpentaria and the Torres Straits is a major focus for the organisation.”

“As former chairman of Queensland Ports Association and a current board member of Ports Australia, Advance Cairns and the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service, Chris has also contributed significantly to the ports sector and the Far North Queensland region,” he said.

“While he leaves Ports North, I know that Chris is a passionate and committed leader in the Far North Queensland community and will continue to add value in whatever he chooses to do next.”