A former WesTrac executive, McAuliffe joined WICET in October 2013.
WICET chairman John Massey said: “Robert’s leadership, expertise and insight have been invaluable and instrumental in ensuring WICET’s position as a key piece of infrastructure for Queensland and Australia.
“His work in bringing the WICET project to its current stage on time and within funding is an excellent achievement. We look forward to continuing to work with Robert.”
Barnes said: “With mechanical completion of the WICET project achieved, my goals as CEO have been fulfilled.
“WICET’s transition to the ramp up operational phase is a timely juncture at which to pass the baton on to a new CEO.
“I am extremely proud to have been involved in delivering this $2.7 billion project within scope, timeframe and the funding envelope. It is rare these days for projects as large as this to be completed in such a manner.”
McAuliffe’s career has included prior experience in Australia's coal supply chains, most notably through his reform work as the CEO and executive vice-president of Aurizon’s coal business unit.
McAuliffe said: “It has been a privilege to work closely with Robert Barnes over the last two years and I look forward to building off the solid platform he has delivered during his tenure as CEO.”
