Resignation of Malcom Macpherson, Chairman of Western Power, accepted

29/4/99
Energy Minister Colin Barnett today announced he had accepted the resignation of Malcolm Macpherson as the chairman of Western Power.
Mr Macpherson has tendered his resignation, effective from the end of this month, to devote his time and efforts solely to managing Westralian Sands, an expanding business with operations in three countries.
The deputy chairman of Western Power, Mr Hector Stebbins, has been appointed interim chairman until a permanent appointment is made.
Mr Barnett said Mr Macpherson was the inaugural chairman of Western Power and had successfully steered the corporation to a solid commercial footing since its formation in 1995.
Mr Macpherson had made an enormous contribution to the success of the corporatised Government-owned utility, using his private industry expertise to introduce sound business principles to the operations of Western Power.
The Minister said Mr Macpherson was highly regarded in the energy sector and under his leadership, Western Power had undertaken a number of critical energy projects to position itself in an increasingly competitive power industry.
"Under Mr Macpherson's chairmanship, Western Power has grown into a responsive commerical business," Mr Barnett said.
"Projects have been undertaken with his guidance to make Western Power more efficient and effective in the open access market, particularly in the area of generation.
"New projects, such as the Collie Power Station, cogeneration plants and renewable energy initiatives have been established, while fuel contracts have been renegotiated to contain costs and change management projects have been under way involving all Western Power people.
"I would like to thank Mr Macpherson for his contribution to Western Power and the development of the energy industry in the State, and wish him continued success as he focuses on his management role at Westralian Sands."
Media contact: Justine Whittome (08) 9222 9699