Surat Basin Rail Joint Venture chairman Everald Compton today announced the appointment of experienced national utility infrastructure executive Mr Graham Dooley, as the joint venture’s new chief executive officer.
For 16 years Mr Dooley was managing director of United Utilities Australia (UUA), a position which includes responsibility for United Utilities Group Australian operations and business development activities, including the project financing of major infrastructure.
“The Board engaged in an extensive, national search for an outstanding executive and is thrilled to have secured Mr Dooley’s services to lead the joint venture through its next stage of growth and development.” Mr Compton said.
“Mr Dooley has 20 years of CEO and Board skills and experience, including working successfully in political and regulatory frameworks, in multi-party projects and with many business and community stakeholders.
“He is ideally suited to take on this new role, bringing extensive knowledge of Private Public Partnership projects, substantial infrastructure management experience and proven business capabilities.”
As well as working with United Utilities Australia, Mr Dooley has held a number of senior executive positions with major national companies including the Sydney Water Board and Grain Handling Authority of NSW, Electrical Equipment Limited and as a Director on the Board of Infrastructure Partnerships Australia.
“Mr Dooley will continue to build on the ongoing success of the Surat Basin Rail Project in fostering strong relations with the joint venture partners, the state government and key stakeholders.
“A major part of Mr Dooley’s work will be overseeing the railway’s development in close partnership with the Queensland Government, to achieve financial close by 2010, in readiness for construction” Mr Compton said.
Mr Compton thanked Mr Bob Stuart, Surat Basin Rail Joint Venture’s departing Project Director, for his contribution to the joint venture over the past eighteen months. Mr Stuart will return to QR to lead key projects for the corporation.