Peter Corones AM has become a household name in the region and after almost three decades, Gladstone Ports Corporation's (GPC) Chairman has advised the State Government he will not be seeking reappointment, leaving behind a remarkable legacy for the Port and for region's economic development.
The Queensland Government appointed Mr Corones as GPC's Chairman in 2018, following his lengthy tenure as a board director since 1994.
Mr Corones first started with GPC in 1994 where he held board positions with GPC until 2012 – returning as director in 2015 until 2018 when he was appointed Chairman.
As a Gladstone businessman for more than 40-years, Mr Corones has brought a wealth of experience to GPC's board of directors after serving on the council for two-decades including 14-years as the Mayor.
Peter Corones AM said he was honoured to serve as GPC's Chairman.
"Gladstone is my home and the port is the lifeblood of this community, the region and the nation – the contributions the Port makes are significant," Mr Corones said.
"I have been privileged to have served alongside great people including Reg Tanna, Leo Zussino and Craig Walker and not to forget the people on the ground who make it all happen on a daily basis," he said.
"I am now pleased to be able to hand over the baton to Dr Lynham, a gentleman I've known for many years and one who I know is passionate about the task,"
"Even though I won't be in the chairs role, I will continue to passionately advocate for the great Port City which is the State's powerhouse and the gateway to the world."
Chief Operating Officer Craig Walker said Mr Corones' passion for the region was renowned, with both Mr Corones and Leo Zussino presiding over much of the ports development over the past few decades.
"Peter has significant knowledge of the region's economic and industry development, ports, tourism, promotion, administration, project and community facilitation and understands the characteristics and challenges of the region better than anyone else," Mr Walker said.
"He has roots which run-deep in Gladstone with his father Mick Corones opening the popular Niagara Café in 1939 before establishing Gladstone's first Caravan Park in 1951, which quickly became an iconic tourist attraction," he said.
"It's no surprise Peter is an enthusiastic promoter and advocate for the Region, you only have to look at his resume to see just how lengthy his involvement in economic and industry development really is," he said.
"Peter is one-of-a-kind and he has seen the region evolve from its 1950s skating-rink era to the 21st century cappuccino-culture of the waterfront - he has played such a big role shaping Gladstone and he has so much to be proud of."
Mr Corones was awarded a Centenary Medal for distinguished service to local government (2001) and a Medal of the Order of Australia (2009) for service to the Gladstone Region community.