Broome Port Authority - Parliament of Western Australia

2. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Figure 2 – Chair
Laurie Shervington
I am pleased to advise that I was appointed to chair the Broome Port
Authority Board of Directors on 24th March 2011 and I look forward to
continuing the fine work of my predecessor Dr. Ian Burston who well
served this port for eight years, and the Board of Esperance Port
Authority for the prior decade. I also look forward to working with our
Board members who capably represent the community interests.
Recently, several of our Directors had their terms of office renewed
which represents State Government satisfaction in the Board’s
commitment to, and conduct of its corporate governance obligations.
I join the Board at a time of prime opportunity for the region, when new business and employment
opportunities might be provided to the community with the further exploration and development of
the offshore Browse Basin, and from increased levels of general shipping. Further opportunities
might arise from the inception of a multi-billion dollar greenfield port site at James Price Point for
which Broome Port Authority expects to provide regulatory and oversight functions on behalf of the
State Government.
The new Minister for Transport the Hon. Troy Buswell has provided clarity and guidance in the State
Government’s expectations of the Board. Accordingly, the Minister’s expectations were translated
into clear strategic directions for management to grow and evolve our port’s capabilities and to
develop the requisite financial and operational resources.
In line with the Board’s commitment to the State Government’s transport, logistics and supply chain
strategies, submissions were made to the high level planning documents WA Ports Review and the
State Freight Strategy. Outcomes from these two reviews are likely to shape the Port Authority’s
strategic deliberations for the coming decade. Accordingly, the Board aims to increase management
capabilities and expertise by empowering managers to meet the operational and technical
challenges flowing from an expanded Port Authority role and a potentially broader regional footprint.
I was privileged to become a signatory to the historic agreement between the Goolarbooloo Jabir
Jabir Traditional Owners, Woodside Energy Ltd. and the State Government on 30th June 2011. This
State agreement will benefit Kimberley Traditional Owners through the provision of training,
employment, and business opportunities plus increased societal and financial prospects. The Port
Authority Board has resultantly committed to engage and train a number of Indigenous personnel
across its management and staff structure.
During the year our Board and Management ensured compliance with the roles and functions
required under the Port Authorities Act 1999 - inclusive of facilitating and supporting trade;
maintaining high levels of governance and standards of commerce; safe, efficient and effective
operations and conservancy; the maintenance and preservation of property; sound environmental
management over land and water; plus a continued emphasis on maritime security. Significant effort
was assigned to infrastructure maintenance and capital works, including the planning for further
essential projects such as stormwater management, placing power services underground, safety
audits and improvements, and hydrographic surveys.
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