Chair of the Capital Metro Project Board and Capital Metro Project Director announced today

Media Release on two Senior Capital Metro appointments:

Two important project leaders have been appointed to the Capital Metro Project, to drive and direct the development of Canberra’s first light rail line, Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development, Simon Corbell, announced today.  

“The Independent Chair of the Capital Metro Project Board is John Fitzgerald, while the Capital Metro Project Director is Emma Thomas,” Mr Corbell said.  

“Their appointments follow an exhaustive recruitment process, and will bring a wealth of experience and talent to this transformative project.”  

The Capital Metro Agency was established in July 2013. Mr Corbell said it was critical to find the right people to advance the project’s development, and the government is confident it has found two exceptional people in Mr Fitzgerald and Ms Thomas.  

“Both have extensive experience in infrastructure programs, and in senior management at agency and board levels,” he said.  

Mr Fitzgerald is a Specialist Advisor to KPMG, and is also the Chair of the Sydney Convention Centre and Entertainment redevelopment. He has a strong financial background, including spending the last 12 years in the infrastructure sector with the Victorian Department of Treasury and Finance. Mr Fitzgerald oversaw 20 infrastructure projects, including Eastlink in Melbourne.  

Ms Thomas comes to the Capital Metro Project from a position as Deputy Chief Executive, Public Transport, in South Australia. She has extensive experience in helping to deliver large road and rail projects, including involvement with the Gold Coast Rapid Transit Project. Ms Thomas was also previously the South Australian Rail Commissioner, and the Deputy Chief Executive of the Department of Main Roads and Transport in Queensland. She led $5 billion worth of procurement, contracts and construction work in Queensland, including major road programs around post-flood recovery.  

“The Capital Metro Project will create a light rail transit system from Gungahlin to the City, catering for projected population growth in North Canberra, and easing traffic congestion along Northbourne Avenue,” Mr Corbell said.  

“The light rail line will give Canberrans an efficient and environmentally-friendly transport alternative - a sustainable transport solution that will also stimulate development activity along the corridor.  

“I look forward to working with Mr Fitzgerald and Ms Thomas as the ACT Government delivers this project for the national capital.”  

Statement ends: Thursday, 3 October 2013