TSBE have announced the appointment of four new directors to the business-driven economic development organisation at their Annual General Meeting held yesterday in Dalby.

The TSBE Chairman Shane Charles announced that Ian Macfarlane AO, Peter Lock, April Cavanagh and Tom McVeigh have all joined the board.

“TSBE is fortunate to have these experienced and respected industry and community leaders joining the board and to have their skills all bent to the task of leading TSBE to continue and increase its positive impact in our region” Mr Charles said.

The Chief Executive for the Queensland Resources Council, and as a director of Woodside Petroleum, Ian Macfarlane is a local legend across the region as the former member for Groom. Mr Macfarlane has more than 14 years’ experience in both Cabinet and shadow ministerial positions, is Australia’s longest serving Federal Resources and Energy Minister and the Coalition’s longest serving Federal Industry and Innovation Minister. Mr Macfarlane brings a wealth of invaluable knowledge to the board across the resources and energy, agribusiness and numerous other sectors.

Peter Lock is the CEO of Heritage Bank. Mr Lock brings 30 years' experience in the financial services industry to the board, has run his own advisory business and has significant senior management experience. With past committee positions on organisations such as the Committee for Melbourne, TSBE will benefit greatly from Mr Lock’s appointment to the TSBE board.

April Cavanagh is the State Manager – Agribusiness for Suncorp Bank.  April has a deep passion  for regional communities and is eager to support the growth and development of Agribusiness.  These skills will be an essential asset for the continued work of TSBE’s Food Leaders Australia initiative.

Tom McVeigh is a celebrated local lawyer with 25 years’ experience in Business and Estate Planning. As an owner of Murdoch Lawyers, Mr McVeigh’s extensive business acumen complements his appointment to the board of TSBE.

“The calibre of new board members joining our existing board instils me with great confidence that our region is very well represented and is not going to miss out on the plethora of opportunities headed our way. I congratulate all on their appointments and am confident that they will bring the desired work ethic, passion and commitment required for the role.   No director of TSBE is remunerated and as such I thank  them and their organisations for the tie they volunteer to make this region stronger and more economically diverse.The best is yet to come for TSBE and this region”, Mr Charles concluded.