ABOUT US
GoldlinQ is
entrusted with the
delivery and operation
of the transformative
Gold Coast Light Rail.
Our local, expert team leads and oversees the Gold Coast Light Rail, working on behalf of our government partners, and alongside our operation and construction contractors, to ensure our city has one of the world’s best light rail systems.
We continue to champion what’s best for the project and the network, always putting safety first and beginning with the end in mind.
Local employment and procurement are a strong focus for light rail construction, and we are committed to working closely with and supporting the Gold Coast community and industry.
The Gold Coast, one of Australia’s fastest growing cities, needs this transformative public transport mode.
Since the introduction of light rail, overall annual public transport use in the city has grown substantially, helping to reduce road and traffic congestion. Keeping the Gold Coast Light Rail moving is our passion and our purpose.
Keeping the Gold Coast Light Rail Moving
GoldlinQ is entrusted with the delivery and operation of the
transformative Gold Coast Light Rail.
Project Delivery Partners.
Board Members
John is currently:
- GoldlinQ Chairman
John Witheriff AM – Chairman
John has been involved as a Chairman or Director in the delivery of several infrastructure projects including:
- Gold Coast Light Rail stages 1 and 2, and now 3
- Metricon Stadium
- Gold Coast Suns AFL Football Club
- GC2018 Commonwealth Games
- Gold Coast Suns-related sporting infrastructure
- Ten Queensland schools
- Toowoomba Second Range Crossing
- Gold Coast Desalination Plant
He is a former Director of several prominent corporations including Sea World, Indy 300 Event Advisory Board, SureSmart Water, Energex Retail, the Queensland Transmission and Supply Corporation and the Queensland Liquor Appeals Tribunal.
Martyn Jackson – Amber representative
Vanessa Newey – Amber representative
Nick Brown – Marubeni representative
David Franks – Keolis representative
James Ward – Palisade representative
Lee Burnell – Plenary representative
Executive Team
Derek Leys
Chief Executive Officer
Derek has 20 years’ experience working with teams to successfully deliver major infrastructure projects across the public and private sectors. His previous roles include:
- Technical Director, Regionerate Rail (Inland Rail PPP)
- Project Director, Cross River Rail Authority (Rail, Integration & Systems)
- Technical Director, Nexus Infrastructure Pty Ltd (Toowoomba Second Range Crossing)
Dean Tobin
Chief Financial Officer
Dean has worked across a range of industries in large and small organisations, with more than 25 years’ experience in finance. His previous roles include:
- Chief Financial Officer, Auriga Group
- Head of Finance and Commercial – GOS Division, Toll Group
- General Manager Commercial, Toll Group – Intermodal and Specialised
John Hickey
Executive Director, Operations
John has extensive experience in the rail industry as a senior leader, with an engineering background. His previous roles include:
- Senior Project Manager, CAF (Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles)
- Chief Technical Officer, Keolis Hyderabad Mass Rapid Transit System Pvt Ltd
- Senior Project Manager, Sydney Trains
George Phillipos
Executive Director, Delivery
George has extensive experience in project delivery, construction, asset management, design and manufacturing in the heavy engineering, shipping and rail industries. His previous roles include:
- Senior Executive (Engineering & Maintenance, Infrastructure, Rolling Stock, Stations, Depots), Qatar Railways Company
- General Manager and various senior engineering roles in Queensland Rail
- Various senior engineering roles in the shipping industry
Lawrence Battiss
Executive Director, Safety and Risk
Lawrence has more than 35 years of experience in rail operations, engineering, rail infrastructure, rolling stock projects, and corporate governance roles across Australia. His previous roles include:
- Head of HSE & Rail Safety (Rail Integration Systems), Cross River Rail
- Head of HSEQ, MTR Australia (MTR Corporation Limited)
- National Manager HSEQ, Transport and Rail Business (Broadspectrum/Ventia)
Equity Partners
