New boss for North Queensland Bulk Ports

Port executive and former Australia Post director to steer NQBP

North Queensland Bulk Ports is reporting an increasing number of people behaving illegally on the breakwater. Picture: North Queensland Bulk Ports Corp

EXCLUSIVE: A former Australia Post director and experienced port executive has been chosen to take the helm of the North Queensland Bulks Ports Corporation.

Nicolas Fertin will sit as chief executive officer of NQBP effective September 17.

Mr Fertin was most recently the CEO of Southern Ports Authority in Western Australia, a position he held for more than three years.

During his tenure as the Southern Ports Authority's first chief, Mr Fertin was dealt a number of challenges, including the amalgamation of the Albany, Bunbury and Esperance ports into a single business and the launch of an investigation by Worksafe WA amid claims of a "toxic" culture of workplace bullying.

Mr Fertin resigned on June 12 to "further his career and pursue new opportunities" according to a Southern Ports Authority board statement.

He had committed to assist the transition.

Nicolas Fertin. Picture: Contributed

NQBP chairman Brad Fish said Mr Fertin has been appointed after a rigorous selection process.

"I look forward to working with Nicolas and the whole NQBP team to deliver great outcomes for our communities and customers," Mr Fish said.

NQBP has not had a permanent CEO since the end of December, when Steven Lewis quietly bowed out as chief after three and a half years.

General managers Brendan Webb and Rochelle Macdonald have been sharing the role in the interim.

NQBP manages seaport facilities at Hay Point, Mackay, Abbot Point, Weipa and Maryborough.

Mr Fertin will primarily be based in Brisbane.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey said ports were an essential part of Queensland's economy.

"Mr Fertin has a big job ahead of him, and based on the NQBP's selection process, I have every confidence he can build on NQBP's past successes," he said.

Originally published as New boss for North Queensland Bulk Ports