Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Matt Canavan has welcomed the appointment of Chris Wade as Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF).
Minister Canavan said Mr Wade had a strong track record in the investment sector having previously served as an Executive Director with the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC). Mr Wade has also served on the Board of the Infrastructure Association of Queensland and held director roles with a range of infrastructure bodies.
“I am confident that Chris’ experience in the areas of infrastructure, property and renewable energy will bring a fresh perspective to the work of the NAIF and help maintain the momentum we are seeing with projects reaching key milestones,” Minister Canavan said.
“He will now lead our experienced and committed NAIF team through an exciting phase of delivery.
“Nationally, $1.93 billion in NAIF investment decisions and conditional approvals has been made across 17 projects which are forecast to create 4,600 jobs, with total public benefit forecast at $4.6 billion – and there is more to come.
“Again, I would like to thank former CEO Laurie Walker for her hard work in establishing the NAIF and guiding it through a period of establishment and restructuring when changes were made to the NAIF mandate.
“Likewise, Amanda Copping has fulfilled the role of Acting NAIF CEO in recent months with efficiency and professionalism, overseeing the finalisation of a number of recently announced landmark projects.”
Mr Wade will be based in Cairns and will start in the role on January 20.
