Marinus CEO leaves as project takes off

A LEADERSHIP change is afoot for Tasmania’s biggest forthcoming project, with a new chief executive being sought just as the project gathers pace.

The departure of Marinus Link chief executive Bess Clark follows confirmation in October that the $3.5bn new undersea cable will go ahead with joint state and federal funding and concessional loans.

Marinus Link board chair Samantha Hogg said on Tuesday the business would advertise for a new chief executive in due course.

“The board would like to thank the current CEO, Bess Clark, for her enormous contribution taking the project from a concept in December 2017 to a defined, actionable project supported by the Tasmanian, Victorian and Australian governments,” Ms Hogg said. “This has culminated in the recent release of tenders for cable supply and installation and converter station design and supply of equipment.” The board has appointed Caroline Wykamp as interim chief executive.

State Labor energy spokesman Dean Winter said the government should reveal whether any payout had been made to Ms Clark. “Ms Clark has been an active promoter of the project throughout its slow progress, including admitting Tasmania would likely only receive around six per cent of the project’s benefits,” he said.

“Today, it’s been announced she is leaving immediately and the minister (Guy Barnett) is nowhere to be seen.”

Ms Clark follows former executive Ben White, “who left only weeks ago, out the door”, Mr Winter said.

“The government is projecting a spend of $250m just to get Marinus to investment decision,” he said. “Part of that will be yet another redundancy.

“This is on top of payments to Hydro, Aurora and TasNetworks executives over the past 18 months’ worth well over $5m.”

Energy and Renewables Minister Mr Barnett said Ms Clark had made a significant contribution to Marinus Link.

“As the chair of Marinus Link said (on Tuesday), now is the appropriate time to transition to new leadership to take this vital project forward,” Mr Barnett said.

“It is disappointing that Dean Winter resorts to grubby personal attacks and unsubstantiated claims.

“Tasmanian Labor is embarrassed because they consistently criticised Marinus Link for years and now it has received strong backing and financial support from the federal Labor government.’’