A SERIES of new appointments at regional ports have helped the Queensland government exceed a target of 50% women on state government boards.

Treasurer Cameron Dick said 54% of positions on government boards were now filled by women – eclipsing a 50% by 2020 target that was reached last year.

“When we came to government in 2015 only 31% of government board members were women. Addressing this inequality was a commitment our government made early in our term,” Mr Dick said.

“These appointments, along with initiatives like our regional Women on Boards events, demonstrate our government’s resolve in strengthening gender balance.”

Transport minister Mark Bailey said the diversity of the new board appointments would ensure a range of ideas were heard on key decisions.

“Each chair and director comes with a unique skillset and significant expertise to ensure operational performance is maximised during the critical phase of COVID economic recovery,” Mr Bailey said.

The new appointments include people with a range of skills and experiences.

Former Townsville Mayor Tony Mooney, who unsuccessfully ran for Labor at state and federal elections, has been appointed to North Queensland Bulk Ports.

New Ports North directors are Rob Giason, a former chief executive of Tourism Tropical North Queensland, and Julia Leu, a former mayor of Douglas Shire and a former councillor with Cairns Regional Council.

Key appointments and reappointments:

Gladstone Ports Corporation

  • Paul Heagney, director (new)
  • Dr Prins Ralston, director (new)
  • Dr Poya John Sobhanian, director (new)

North Queensland Bulk Ports

  • Monica McKendry, director (new)
  • Tony Mooney, director (new)
  • Lynn Smart, director (new)

Ports North

  • Rob Giason, director (new)
  • Julia Leu, director (new)

Port of Townsville

  • Connie Navarro, director (new)
  • Bradley Webb, director (reappointment)

Queensland Rail

  • Michael Goss, Director (new)
  • Heather Watson, director (reappointment)

Tracey Winters, director (new)