Interport Global appoints top ports and infrastructure executive to lead $20B investment into Central Queensland

Interport Global has appointed highly experienced ports and infrastructure executive Anthony Donald as its new Chief Executive Officer, as momentum builds behind Project Velocity.

Project Velocity is IPG’s long-term, $20 billion investment pipeline across Central Queensland in ports, shipping, energy infrastructure, industrial, cold storage, and road and rail, designed to establish Gladstone as a nationally significant freight and logistics hub.

“We’ve just seen the Queensland Budget handed down and this project couldn’t align more strongly with it, building regional infrastructure, export capability and resilient supply chains, while bringing private-sector investment to support long-term jobs and economic growth in Gladstone and Central Queensland,” said Mr. Donald.

As part of the project, IPG plans to build an Inland Road and Rail Port at Calliope, a 48,000m2 cold storage and reefer container facility, an industrial park for advanced manufacturing, renewable energy infrastructure and expand shipping services into Asia, leveraging Central Queensland’s strategic advantages, including Gladstone’s deepwater port, established industrial base and access to national freight networks.

“Gladstone is perfectly positioned to join Australia’s ranks as an international freight hub, especially as Australia’s freight and logistics networks face increasing pressure from growing trade volumes, larger vessels, and port congestion,” said newly appointed CEO, Mr. Donald.

“Gladstone is one of the best deep channel ports in Australia, let alone the world, and is well placed to receive these mega-cargo ships (Ultra Large Container Vessels), more readily than other ports.

“Its ability to integrate with both coastal shipping and rail networks would be second to none in this country.

“It is a unique asset to drive development and increased productivity.”

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australia’s total goods and services reached record levels, with exports rising 3.1 per cent to $665.2 billion in 2025, while imports rose 6.9 per cent to $658.3 billion.

Mr. Donald brings more than two decades of leadership across Australia’s maritime, logistics and major infrastructure sectors to IPG, most recently as CEO of TasPorts, where he led more than 350 staff and oversaw a multi-billion-dollar portfolio of port infrastructure and investment.

“Anthony brings a rare combination of operational, strategic and governance experience across ports, aviation and major infrastructure,” IPG Chair Leon Allen said.

“Mr. Donald’s deep sector expertise and proven ability to drive change will ensure the creation of long-term value for the company.”

Prior to his role as CEO, Mr. Donald held senior positions at TasPorts including Chief Operating Officer, and executive roles at Port of Melbourne and Melbourne Airport, where he led major capital works including the $1.6 billion Port Capacity Project at Webb Dock and the $330 million International Terminal expansion at Melbourne Airport.

He also brings extensive board and governance experience, having recently served as a Director and Deputy Chair of Ports Australia, and holds several chair positions across port and regional infrastructure organizations.

“I look forward to working with the IPG team, government, industry and local stakeholders to help realize the opportunity for Gladstone and Central Queensland,” Mr. Donald said.