Interport Global appoints Anthony Donald to lead $20 billion Gladstone logistics infrastructure plan

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Australia. Interport Global has appointed Anthony Donald as Chief Executive Officer as the company moves ahead with Project Velocity, a long term infrastructure programme aimed at transforming Central Queensland into a major freight, logistics and trade gateway.

The appointment comes as the company continues developing its planned investment pipeline, valued at around $20 billion, covering ports, rail, road, industrial facilities, renewable energy infrastructure and cold storage. The strategy centres on Gladstone and the surrounding region, where Interport Global believes growing trade volumes and changing shipping patterns are creating opportunities for new logistics capacity.

Donald joins the company after more than two decades in Australia’s maritime and infrastructure sectors, most recently serving as Chief Executive Officer of TasPorts.

Interport Global said Donald’s appointment is intended to strengthen the company’s ability to progress Project Velocity from planning towards implementation.

The development programme includes proposals for an Inland Road and Rail Port at Calliope, a 48,000 square metre cold storage and reefer container facility, an industrial park focused on advanced manufacturing, renewable energy infrastructure and expanded shipping services connecting Central Queensland with Asian markets.

Donald said the project aligns closely with the Queensland Government’s recent budget priorities by combining private investment with regional infrastructure development.

“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,” he said.

A central element of Project Velocity is the company’s view that Gladstone’s existing port infrastructure provides room for future growth as vessel sizes continue to increase.

Donald said Australia’s freight system is facing rising pressure from growing trade volumes, larger ships and congestion at established ports.

He argued that Gladstone’s deep water access provides an opportunity to handle Ultra Large Container Vessels while integrating efficiently with both coastal shipping and the national rail network.

“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 more readily than other ports,” Donald said.

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

The company believes those transport links could strengthen Central Queensland’s position within Australia’s broader freight network while supporting future export growth.

According to figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australia’s total trade in goods and services reached record levels during 2025. Exports increased 3.1 percent to AUD 665.2 billion, while imports rose 6.9 percent to AUD 658.3 billion.

Donald brings experience from several major Australian transport infrastructure organisations.

At TasPorts he led a workforce of more than 350 employees while overseeing a multi billion dollar portfolio of port infrastructure and investment projects.

Before becoming Chief Executive Officer, he served as Chief Operating Officer at TasPorts and previously held senior executive positions at the Port of Melbourne and Melbourne Airport.

His earlier responsibilities included leading delivery of the AUD 1.6 billion Port Capacity Project at Webb Dock and the AUD 330 million International Terminal expansion at Melbourne Airport.

He has also held governance positions across the Australian ports sector, including serving as Director and Deputy Chair of Ports Australia, alongside chair appointments with regional infrastructure organisations.

Interport Global Chair Leon Allen said Donald’s operational and governance experience would support the company’s next stage of development.

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

Donald said collaboration with government agencies, industry partners and local communities will be central as Project Velocity progresses.

He said he intends to work closely with stakeholders to develop the infrastructure required to support Gladstone’s future role within Australia’s freight and logistics network.

“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.