• About Mackay Seaport
  • Mackay Seaport Profile
  • Seaport Charges
  • Seaport Seaport Security Information
  • Seaport FAQ's
  • Port Notices and Information
    1. Introduction
    2. Liability for and Recovery of charges & Expenses
    3. General provisions about port management
    4. Port control
    5. Small craft - Additional requirements
    6. Incident reporting
    7. General – safety, environment, emergencies
    8. Towage services
    9. Refuse ship entry - No ISSC 21

Port Notices and Information

7. General - Safety, Environment, Emergencies

7.1 Health and Safety

7.1.1 General

User, customers, visitors, contractors and organisations who use the services and facilities of the port or operate or conduct activities within the port and its lands are obliged to ensure their operations and activities are conducted in accordance with the Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995; Regulations and supporting compliance and advisory standards.

7.1.2 Safety Plan / Program

Any contractor or organisation involved in construction or construction type work on port lands must provide to the Division of Workplace Health and Safety, and if requested, to the Authority,

a project or site safety plan / program prior to commencement. Failure to do so is an offence and could result in the following action being taken:

• (a) Penalty being applied;
• (b) Refusal for the operation or activity to be undertaken;
• (c) Leases / licences being cancelled; and
• (d) Other action as deemed appropriate or a combination of the above.

7.1.3 Hazardous Substances

Hazardous substances may only be used on port lands in accordance with relevant Statute, policy or guidelines.

7.1.4 Discretion of Authorised Officer

An Authorised Officer may direct that an operation or activity be suspended if their is reason to believe that the activity is or could cause a safety problem / issue to the port operations, port employees or to port users / customers.

7.2 Environmental Protection

7.2.1 General

It is the responsibility of port users / customers and organisations to conduct their activities or operations within the port whether on leased, licensed or otherwise occupied land or facilities in accordance with the applicable legislation. The Authority has a policy of zero discharge of contaminants. This applies to all users of the port facilities and land.

The Authority may direct an operation or activity be stopped until environmental issues are addressed or environmental damage repaired / restored at the individuals or owner's expense.

7.2.2 Due Diligence

It is the responsibility of ship owners, Masters, agents, wharf operators, contractors and other persons conducting business or work in the port to manage operations and work sites, as far as practicable, with due diligence.

7.2.3 Environmental Plans

Depending on the nature of the operations or activity the Authority may require an individual, port user, port customer, owner or organisation undertaking an operation or activity within the port (including leased, licensed and otherwise occupied) to submit an Environmental Management Plan for that operation or activity.

7.2.4 Direction of an Authorised Officer

If an Authorised Officer has reason to believe that an activity is or is likely to cause environmental harm to the port and its surrounds, the Officer may direct that the operation or activity be suspended until the matter is resolved. It is an offence to continue the operation or activity after such a direction has been given.

7.2.5 Dust, Light and Noise

It is an offence for a person to generate or allow the continuation of the generation of dust, light or noise nuisance in the port, that is in contravention of the minimum standard laid down by the Environmental Protection Act 1994 and Environmental Protection Policies.

7.2.6 Water, Sediment and Soil Management

It is an offence to cause contamination of water bodies, stormwater sediment or soil within the port.

7.2.7 Cleaning / Washing Vehicles, Equipment, Plant, Cargo etc.

It is an offence to clean / wash any vehicle, equipment, plant, cargo etc where the resultant waste water etc can not be controlled, unless otherwise approved by the Authority.

7.3 Emergencies

7.3.1 Emergency Plans

It is the responsibility of port users / customers and organisations carrying out an operation or activity within the port to develop and manage their own emergency plan and procedure in accordance with relevant legislation, standards and codes. Depending on the nature and size of the operation or activity the Authority may request that a copy of this plan / procedure be provided for the Authority's perusal. There may also be a requirement to link this plan / procedure with those used by the Authority.

7.3.2 Directions During Cyclones / Emergencies

In the event of a cyclone or other emergency, all persons must comply with the directions of an Authorised Officer and / or the Regional Harbour Master.

Accessibility Disclaimer