Interport Global has appointed Anthony Donald as its new Chief Executive Officer to lead Project Velocity, the company's proposed $20 billion infrastructure investment pipeline designed to transform Central Queensland into a major freight and logistics hub.
Donald takes charge as the company advances plans to strengthen Australia's freight, ports and supply chain infrastructure through private sector investment across Gladstone and the wider Central Queensland region, according to various media reports.
"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," Donald said.
Transforming Gladstone
Project Velocity includes investments across ports, shipping, energy infrastructure, industrial development, cold storage, and road and rail networks. Key proposals include an inland road and rail port at Calliope, a 48,000m² cold storage and reefer container facility, an advanced manufacturing industrial park, renewable energy infrastructure, and expanded shipping services connecting Central Queensland with Asia.
Donald believes Gladstone's natural advantages position it to become one of Australia's leading international freight gateways.
"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," he said.
"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."
The proposal comes as Australia's trade in goods and services reached record levels in 2025, with exports rising 3.1% to $665.2 billion and imports increasing 6.9% to $658.3 billion, underscoring growing demand for stronger freight and logistics infrastructure.
Industry expertise
Donald brings more than 20 years of experience across Australia's maritime, logistics and infrastructure sectors. He most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of TasPorts, where he led more than 350 employees and managed a multi-billion-dollar portfolio of port infrastructure and investment.
His previous leadership roles include senior positions at the Port of Melbourne and Melbourne Airport, where he oversaw major projects such as the $1.6 billion Port Capacity Project at Webb Dock and the $330 million international terminal expansion at Melbourne Airport.
He has also served as Director and Deputy Chair of Ports Australia and held several board positions across the ports and regional infrastructure sectors.
Long-term vision
Interport Global Chair Leon Allen said Donald's extensive leadership experience would be instrumental in delivering the company's long-term infrastructure ambitions.
"Anthony brings a rare combination of operational, strategic and governance experience across ports, aviation and major infrastructure," Allen said.
Donald also reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with government, industry and regional stakeholders to advance the project.
"I look forward to working with the IPG team, government, industry and local stakeholders to help realise the opportunity for Gladstone and Central Queensland," he said.
Interport Global expects Project Velocity to support regional economic development, strengthen Australia's export capability and create long-term employment opportunities as the proposed infrastructure programme progresses.