Transport Minister Paul Lucas today inspected Mackay’s airport and harbour facilities as part of a two day visit to the region.

Inspecting the barra pond at Mackay Airport are (from left) Member for Mackay Tim Mulherin, Transport and Main Roads Minister Paul Lucas and Mackay Port Authority chairman John Taylor.

Mr Lucas was taken on a tour of the city’s award winning airport by Member for Mackay Tim Mulherin, Mackay Port Authority chairman John Taylor, CEO Greg Mann and airport general manager Trevor Heard.

Mackay Airport was judged the best regional airport in Australia in 2002.

Mr Taylor said it was a good opportunity to brief the Minister on the ports’ operations, in particular the impact Qantas’ new low-cost carrier Jetstar would have on passenger throughput and airport facilities.

Jetstar will start services to Mackay on May 25. The budget-priced carrier will introduce four direct services a week between Sydney and Mackay in mid July.

Mr Taylor said the decision by Virginblue and Jetstar to introduce larger aircraft on the Mackay-Brisbane route would offer the city an additional 3000 seats a week.

This financial year more than 430 000 people are expected to pass through the airport.
 
Mr Lucas also inspected the seaport and discussed proposed developments on MPA controlled land.

The Minister discussed a number of  port-related issues with the MPA  Board over lunch before representing the Premier at the official opening of United Goninan’s electrical workshop at Paget.

Mr Lucas’ busy two day schedule also includes inspections of the Hospital and Forgan bridges, discussions on a number of local projects with Mr Mulherin and Mackay’s Mayor Julie Boyd and a tour of the MSQ Reefcentre and Port of Hay Point.