| Since its commissioning in 1896 the Mackay Port
Authority has been at the forefront of development in the Mackay Region,
from the wholehearted support of the tourism industry through to maintaining
a first class port facility. The history of the Authority has been
detailed in the Annual Reports. |
The rainfall registered at the Harbour for the twelve months ended
31st March 1947 was 2991 points.
The quantity of water sold to coastal shipping was 1,099.000 gallons.
The Opportunity was taken of hiring from the Harbours and Marine Department
the dredge "Morwong" whilst on its way to Townsville, and
all three berths and portion of the swinging basin were dredged. The
berths are now back to their original depth of 33 feet lowest alongside
the Pier and 29 feet at the Breast Wharf.
The cost of this dredging amounted to £4136
The rainfall registered at the Harbour for the twelve months ended
31st March 1948 was 2371 points.
The quantity of water sold to coastal shipping was 1,270,000 gallons.
Further capping - about 350 feet - of the northern breakwater has
been completed.
A lease of 20 years has been granted to the Australian National Power
Alcohol Company of an area four chains square, being portion of the
reserve set aside for oil installations. The rental is fixed at £2
per week for the first ten years, then to re-appraised for the remainder
of the term.
Quantity of water sold to ships in 1949 was 1,270,000 gallons.
The Rainfall at the Harbour for the 12 months ended 1st March 1950
was 3797 points.
A shelter shed for launch passengers was erected at the eastern end
of the Breast Wharf.
Pioneer River - There appears to be no material change in the course
of the river, and the channel depths have not altered. It is likely
that in the near future beacons and lights for day and night traffic
of tourist fishing vessels will be restored.
Quantity of water sold to ships in 1950 was 1,611,000 gallons.
The Rainfall at the Harbour for the 12 months ended 1st March 1950
was 5534 points.
The principal work carried out during the period consisted of the
concreting of piles at the Breast Wharf upon which £955.9.11
was expended; the overhaul of sugar conveyors, the replacement of
a new refrigerator in the cafe, the building of extra lockers on the
Breast Wharf and Pier for the Adelaide Steamship Company; the enlargement
of the waterside workers mess room on the Pier; the building of a
crane shed on the pier and other sundry jobs.
The Mackay Broadcasting Service made application to the Board for
an area of land on the South East corner of Mt Bassett. This area
was cleared for them with the Boards Bulldozer, and power is being
connected to the area. It now only requires the underground equipment
to be placed in position and this work will be finished.
A new well at the Harbour behind the Pilot Station cottages was sunk
to a depth of 18 feet, but no water was found.
The Palm Avenue to the harbour is making good progress. Palms, where
necessary, have replaced those that have died.
Pine trees planted south of the Southern Breakwater are thriving though
growth is slow.
Bougainvillea and Oleanders on each side of the roadway from Slade
Point turnoff to the Harbour are making good progress.
Approximately 120 coconut palms were purchased from Seaforth and these
have been planted in between the pines in the fenced off area at the
harbour.
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The Board decided on a beautification scheme for the Outer Harbour
approaches and beaches.
Highest ever flood sweeps down the Pioneer River reaching a record
height of 29 feet. Forgan Smith Bridge badly damaged.
State Government alters Harbour Board election system to provide for
seven members elected by District Councilors, two members nominated
by Government on all Queensland Harbour Boards.
Cyclone crosses coast north of Mackay on evening of April 1st. Bowen
severely hit with extensive damage to Port and town.
Work commences on improving intake of Bulk Terminal to lift receiving
rate to 450 tons per hour.
New well for Harbour water supply put down near Seamen's Mission at
Outer Harbour.
Installation of new receiving equipment at the Bulk Sugar Terminal
completed.
First meeting of the new Board following the Triennial elections.
A small suction dredge built by the Board was put into operation to
pump sand from the Harbour to a reclaiming area north of the Bulk
Terminal Storage Shed.
Work of restoring the moles and miniature lighthouses on the North
and South Breakwaters completed, following damage sustained in the
March 1956 cyclone.
Work commenced on raising the storage capacity of the Bulk Sugar Terminal
by 20,000 tons to cope with anticipated requirements for the 1958
crop.
Board constructs 10 chains of flood prevention wall in the Foulden
area of the Pioneer River as an emergency measure.
Construction of a further 35 chain of flood prevention wall in the
Foulden Area commenced.
Emergency flood prevention wall on the north bank of the Pioneer River
in the Foulden area completed.
Board decides to purchase a suction-cutter dredge of from 12-16 inch
capacity for Outer Harbour and River work.
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The Board approved in principle a proposal to erect an export cold
store in the Outer Shed of No1 Pier and agreed that it would meet
up to half the cost of installation.
A cyclone crossed the Queensland coast in the vicinity of Ayr causing
extensive damage in Ayr, Home Hill and Bowen but comparatively minor
damage only in Proserpine and Mackay. The Forgan Bridge over the Pioneer
River was severely damaged in a flood on the 16th and was kept open
for traffic by the erection of temporary Bailey bridging over the
affected spans by the Royal Australian Engineers.
Large quantities of material and stores for the Australian Army's
manoeuvres south of Mackay received at the Harbour on Army vessels
"Basse" and "Tara". These vessels subsequently
loaded large quantities of store for return to Army Depots on completion
of the Exercises.
The adopted proposals to win rock from Mt Basset Quarry by tunnel
blasting and driving of the first tunnel was commenced.
A meeting of representatives of the Irrigation and Water Supply Commission,
the Mackay City, Pioneer Shire and Mirani Shire Councils, The Mackay
Regional Electricity Board and the Mackay Harbour Board was held to
consider the formation of a Pioneer River Trust.
The Pioneer River Trust was formed with representatives from the Mackay
City Council and Pioneer Shire Council and the Mackay Harbour Board.
Construction of a small craft jetty for the use of private boat owners
in the Mackay Outer Harbour was completed.
The Board adopted proposal for the leveling of 32 acres of land for
industrial development in the Harbour area.
Visit of Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra to Mackay on the first
of September. The Princess arrived in Mackay on the destroyer HMAS
"Warramunga".
Leveling and development of 32 acres of land for industrial sites
at estimated cost of £30.000 commenced.
The Commonwealth Meteorological Bureau's Radar equipped weather station
at Mt Bassett was completed and commenced operations.
The Board's plan for the reclamation of 300 acres of land at East
Mackay as a flood prevention and City Development measure was accepted
in principle at a meeting of interested Local Authorities.
The Board approved proposals to erect a jetty/wharf in the outer harbour
for the development of the Tourist Islands cargo trade.
The Port received a Centenary year visit from a destroyer of the British
Navy, HMS "Solebay".
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Completion of new bore for improvement to water supply in Harbour
area yielding 8000gph on test
Euclid twin power scraper of 24 cubic yard capacity arrives to commence
reclamation work for development of the Board's Industrial Estates
at the Outer Harbour.
Construction commenced of the new Cafe at the Outer Harbour and also
of an amenities block at the popular Harbour Beach.
Construction commenced of the new Fishermen's Wharf in the Pioneer
River to replace the old timber "Queens" wharf for use by
the professional fishermen operating from Mackay.
Board approves plans for construction of road north from the harbour
to Lamberts Beach.
Board staff assists with searches and salvage work following crash
of Fokker Friendship Abel Tasman off Hay Point on the 10th June. The
memorial to those lost in in he crash was unveiled at Far Beach on
the 26th June.
The Vacuum Oil Company commenced construction of an Ocean Oil Terminal
estimated to cost £100,000 making the third terminal at the Outer
Harbour.
Land reclamation by the Euclid Twin Power 24 cubic yard scraper for
industrial sites near the Outer Harbour completed.
New Harbour Cafe completed and officially opened on the 18th August.
Sheeting of reclaimed area for industrial leases south of Harbour
Road completed.
Board approves formation of a Volunteer Fire Brigade at Outer Harbour.
The Harbours and Marine Dredge "Morwong" arrives from Brisbane
to restore depths in swinging basin and berths in the Outer Harbour.
Dredge "Morwong" returns to Brisbane for three months after
completing about 50% of its work in Mackay.
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The Board's old steam shovel was converted to a heavy lift electric
crane and erected on the south berth of No 1 pier.
Construction of the Island Trade Wharf commenced.
Construction of bitumen roads to the south side industrial area and
north breakwater and provision of water supply to south side industrial
area commenced.
Development road north from Harbour along Lamberts Beach constructed.
The old "Queen's" or Fishermen's Wharf in the Pioneer River
was demolished, making way for a reinforced concrete wharf for the
Fish Board.
Largest tanker ever to use Harbour - the "Kollbryn" 560ft
length and 20,000 tons deadweight - berthed.
Visit of USS "Gurke" to port for two day good-will visit.
Dredging o of Harbour berths and swinging basin by "Morwong"
resumed.
A meeting of State Cabinet was held in Mackay on July 24th, the first
such meeting ever held in Mackay.
Commencement of construction of ACF and Shirleys' Fertilisers aqua-ammonia
depot at the Harbour.
Dredging of the Outer Harbour by Harbours & Marine Dredge "Morwong"
completed.
Visit of British Frigate HMS "St Brides Bay" on good-will
visit to Mackay.
Burns Philp inaugurate coastal cargo service to Mackay
Island Trade Wharf opened for traffic
Messrs. ACF & Shirleys Fertilisers bulk aqua-ammonia depot at
the Outer Harbour completed
Queensland Harbour Boards' Association Conference held in Mackay December
6th-8th.
Construction commenced of Mackay Surf Life Savers' Club house at the
Harbour Beach.
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Board purchases a forty foot work boat from the Department of Supply.
The boat was subsequently re-named the "A J Coyne" honouring
the former member of the Board of that name.
Life Saving Club house opened at Harbour Beach by Mr R Camm MLA Member
for Whitsunday
Board approved purchase of grab dredging plant at estimated cost of
£55,000.00
Construction of new tourist jetty at estimated cost of £54,000.00
commenced.
Centenary of the Settlement of Mackay District celebrated and first
edition of the Mackay Centenary Booklet issued.
First shipment of aqua-ammonia received at the Outer Harbour.
Tenders accepted for construction of 100 ton crane barge and 250 ton
dumb hopper barge for dredging plant.
Visit of submarine USS Segundo to Port, <ay 12th to 14th for Coral
Sea Week
HMAS "Quickmarch" and "Quiberon" made goodwill
visit to Port June 1st to 4th.
Board resolved to investigate possibility of establishing small boat
harbour for Mackay private boat owners in Bassett Basin
First discussions held with Board regarding possibility of increasing
raw sugar storage at Outer Harbour.
New carpenters workshop at Harbour completed and occupied.
Consulting engineers report on proposed second shed for storage of
bulk raw sugar at Outer Harbour adopted. Estimated cost of Terminal
addition was £965,000
Construction of Bulk Sugar Terminal additions commenced, Board undertaking
work on concrete foundations and substructures by day labour.
First concrete poured for the second bulk raw sugar storage shed on
November 21st by Harbour Board employees.
Crane barge "James Pearce" and dump Hopper barge "Pioneer"
for Board's grab-dredging plant delivered to Mackay by suppliers.
First stage of new light scheme at Outer Harbour brought into operation
by switching on of lights on Southern Breakwater and on Harbour Beach.
In the six months ended December 31st 1962 374,622 tons of sugar were
shipped from he Harbour 58 vessels, The previous record tonnage was
in 1958-1959 when 330,346 tons were shipped in the full year.
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The new reinforced concrete jetty for tourists, named "Loves
Jetty" by the Board was opened for traffic.
A further 55,000 tons of rock for the strengthening of the northern
and southern breakwaters brought down by tunnel blast No 11 on Mt
Bassett Quarry. In all 359,000 tons of rock have added to the breakwaters
between 1961 and 1963.
Board adopted a recommendation by the Chairman Mr J Langdon to build
a tourist lookout on Reservoir Hill overlooking the Harbour and mouth
of the Pioneer River.
HMAS "Quickmarch" and "Queensborough" make good-will
visits to the Port.
Dredging of the Harbour swinging basin and berths with the Boards
new grab dredging plant commenced.
The Board decides to build new offices at the Harbour and to dispose
of its River Street Offices.
Imports and Exports for 1962/63 highest in Boards history - 84702
tons and 563291 respectively.
New sealed road to Reservoir Hill and the Harbour beach parking area
complete.
The Australian National Line inaugurate a direct Melbourne-Sydney-Mackay
Shipping service using 'E' Class vessels.
New lookout completed at Reservoir Hill
Raw Sugar received into the new second storage shed of the Bulk Sugar
Terminal for the first time on 21st October.
The Board agrees to construct a cold store of 500 tons capacity for
the export meat trade in the outer shed on the pier.
Plans announced to build a third 1000 foot sugar shed at the Mackay
terminal for 1965 and to extend immediately the almost completed second
shed by 150 feet to 1000 in length.
.
A fortnightly service from Brisbane to Mackay by the Wide Bay Shipping
Co Ltd MV "Sarawak" commenced.
The Board approved the establishment of installation for molasses
exports and liquid petroleum gas imports at the Harbour.
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Small boat ramp with the Harbour near the southern breakwater became
available for the trailer launching of small craft.
Excavation and foundation of No. 2 Bulk sugar Storage Shed extension
from 850ft to 1000ft commenced.
The 40ft Wooden Pile Driving Barge sank while riding at anchor on
work location outside the southern breakwater on 21st February and
was subsequently salvaged only to be finally damaged beyond repair
while refitting.
Commencement of the removal of an estimated 1,235,000 cubic yards
of sand from sandhills to adjoining swamplands to provide a further
Bulk Sugar Terminal site of 70 acres and reclaim an industrial area
of 50 acres.
Completion of removal of bag conveyor system and superstructure from
Pier Sheds to provide clear storage space.
Commencement of site for the Bulk Molasses Terminal by widening of
a section the breakwater adjacent to the Breast Wharf.
Tourist Jetty officially opened by Mr R.E.Camm MLA for Whitsunday.
General Cargo service from Melbourne and Sydney to Mackay taken over
by the Australian Nation Line and arrival on first trip of "Boonaroo"
with large palletised and containerised cargo.
ARC Engineering (QLD) PL commence construction of their re-inforcing
steel fabrication and processing plant on a 3 acre lease in the Light
Industrial area at the Harbour.
The board was re-constituted and Mr Landon was appointed Chairman
and Mr Muller Deputy Chairman
First shipment of 120 tons of LP Gas arrived in the tanker "Arago"
for storage in the newly established LP Gas Terminal at the Harbour
tank farm and for use by the Mackay Gas Co
Completion of the No 2 Bulk Sugar Storage Shed to 1000ft and 240,000
tons storage capacity.
Completion of rubber fendering of the Pier berths and knuckles.
The Outer
Harbour is 25 years of age on 26/8/1964
Commenced construction of 7000 ton Molasses Storage Tank
Jeff Rogers & Co commences building of a fibre glass products
processing plant on 2 acres of land on the Light Industrial area at
the Harbour.
The largest ship to enter the Harbour, the 14,782 tons gross, 22,300
tons deadweight bulk carrier "Barbara" being 566' 22"
in length with a draught of 32'1 3/4" berthed on 8th September,
and sailed within 23 hours with a cargo of 19,940 tons of sugar and
a draught of 31' 6".
The first permanent tug arrived to take up duties in the Harbour.
This is the 2 ton bollard pull tug "Bega" which is to be
replaced by a 5 ton bollard pull tug with a few months.
Floor of the 600 ton net Cold Store laid ready for construction of
the Cold Store to operate in the coming year for the meat export trade.
Ten vessels departed during September with 69,000 tons of cargo and
eight vessels discharged 19,500 tons of cargo.
The "drop ball" system of spalling rock in the Quarry was
commenced to increase production to meet rising demand.
3 LP Gas operated forklifts were acquired for working in the hold
of ships as well as on the wharves.
Main excavation and foundation commenced for the No3 Bulk Sugar Storage
Shed.
The Mackay Lumber Co commenced building a Sawmill and Mounding Factory
on its 5 acre lease on the Light Industrial Area at the Harbour.
Pioneer Concrete (Qld) PL established is ready mix concrete batching
plant on the 3/4 acre lease at the Harbour.
The Bulk Sugar Terminal established an intake record for one week
of 27,259 tons of sugar.
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First Molasses received into the new 7,000 ton Molasses Terminal 30/11/64
The Readymix Group commences operation at its new stone crushing plant
in the Board's Quarry.
First shipment of Molasses from the new Molasses Terminal, 1480 tons
in the "Nichian Maru" to Sydney
Completion of the 120 acre reclamation which provided 20 acres of
land for Bulk Sugar Terminal Extensions and 100 acres reserved for
heavy industry.
Construction by day labour commenced on the Board's new office at
the Port.
Bulk Sugar record intake of 567,338 tons of sugar.
Geophysical survey of Harbour and approaches carried out to provide
information for any major dredging in the future.
Permission granted to ARC (Qld) PL to extend premises by 75 feet.
Cold Store of 79,200 c.ft. and 600 tons capacity for meat export trade
complete a cost of (pounds) 43,000 and tested to 5 degrees F.
Leases in the Light Industrial area granted to the Mackay Printing
& Publishing Co. 1 acre, and an extension from 5-6 acres granted
to the Mackay Lumber Co.
New one storey office block on the Pier for the Pier master and Stevedoring
companies, also incorporating separate Amenities Rooms for Harbour
Board employees and Foremen Stevedores plus a canteen, completed at
a cost of £15,231.00
Tug "Palm Beach" of 4 3/4 tons bollard pull owned and operated
by Stannard Bros. Tug Co P/L commences full time operation in the
Port.
New amenities block designed to accommodate 100 stevedores completed
at the cost of £14,595.00.
Coral Sea commemoration visit by USN Minesweeper "Pluck",
also visits by RN Submarines "Taciturn" and "Trump"
and RAN Destroyer "Anzac".
Salvaging operation at sea carried out by Board's crane barge "James
Pearce" on 23rd May
Preliminary scheme for land backed berth approved at estimated cost
of £734,000.00.
Bunkering Visit by the RAN Destroyer "Anzac"
Extension of the Australian National Line coastal shipping service
from Melbourne and Sydney from 6 weekly to 3 weekly.
Visit from Utah Development Co. in connection with their extensive
coal deposits extending into the port hinterland.
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We have been paid the signal honour of being entrusted with the largest
sugar ships to date in the Australian trade. Four ships took 73,534
tons of sugar. Between August 10th and August 16th this year the Mackay
installations loaded 68,000 tons of sugar in five days into five ships.
Record shipment was 21,933 tons of sugar in the "Ante Topic".
The longest ship was the "Cape Marina" 584' 9" overall
length. The deepest draft was "Yannis" with 32' 6".
During the year the third bulk sugar store has been completed, making
total bulk sugar storage at the Port 420,000 tons.
A geophysical and drilling survey has been carried out to determine
the nature of the sea bed within the harbour and for 1.6 miles outside
the harbour entrance to the sx fathom contour. Although the present
depth outside the harbour is downwards from 30 feet LWST at the entrance
and the necessity for dredging a lead-in channel is somewhat remote,
the opportunity is being taken to investigate this possibility should
it arise.
By the end of the year the Breakwater Extension will have progressed
about 200 feet out to sea. This major work will provide better protection
within the harbour, and will make possible prolonged entry time for
shipping beyond the resent limitation of slack water. Final design
of the extension which is expected to 600 feet is the subject of a
model experiment being carried out by the Department of Harbours and
Marine.
Hand in hand with the growth of the sugar industry at Mackay we have
welcomed the growth of the bulk petroleum and the fertiliser trade
and more recently the molasses trade.
So far as the tankers are concerned we are in the process of building
three breasting dolphins at the Breast Wharf to stengthen this wharf
for tankers.
VHF Radio is being installed for shore to ship and ship to shore communication.
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A new 13,000 ton receiving and storage facility was built for operation
in August to handle the shipment of a new sugar industy export, sugar
can invert.
A new water supply scheme is being installed from a source capable
of supplying well in excess of 10 million gallons per day to industrial
users.
A four lane highway is in course of construction to the port.
The Shell Co of Australia Ltd. has commenced construction of the Port's
second major Ocean Oil Terminal. The Terminal, expected to be operational
in January 1968, will handle receipt and distribution of five major
oil products.
The Board is keenly aware of trends in ship size and is currently
investigating means of providing entry for ships of 70,000 tons capacity.
Seismic survey reveals easy dredging to a depth of 50 feet LWST, although
it is unlikely that more than 7 feet of dredging would be required
in the harbour entrance to permit entry of 70,000 tonners. The great
factor in favour of Mackay for deep drafted vessels is proximity to
deep water. It is believed that ready access can be found the the
Great Barrier Reef for ships both North and South bound.
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In keeping with its policy of providing first class facilities the
Board has abandoned its own local water supply system which has serviced
the Harbour since the start of construction in 1934, and is now obtaining
water from Mackay City Council through the Pioneer Shire Council.
The work required was the laying of two miles fo 10" and 15"
dia. water main by the Pioneer Shire Council and 3/4 mile of main
by the Board. Estimated cost to the Broard for this project is $100,000.
The Board also spent $5,000 on the start of reticulation improvements
to guarantee a deivery rate of 40 tons of water per hour to all ships.
The original tourist jetty, a timber structure built in the 1950's,
was dismantled and is being replaced by an extension to Love's Jetty
with a fourth concrete pier. Up to nine vessels occupy this jetty
at one time.
The Board also commence during the year the construction of a slipway
with a capacity to slip vessels up to 150 tons.
The Department of Harbours and Marine are continuing at the University
of Queensland the model bodies of the breakwater extension. Because
of other work only 24,000 tons of rock was placed in the extension
during the year bringing the extension to 250 feet out of the 600
feet projected.
Construction of a four lane highway by the Main Roads Department from
North Mackay to the commencement of the Board's land, a distance of
1 3/4 miles commenced July 1967. The first 3/4 miles was widened and
bitumened and one of the two lane re-inforced concrete bridges over
Vines Creek was completed by July 1968, when the second section of
one mile was commenced. Total cost of the works by the Main Roads
Deparment is expected to be $500,000 with completion next year.
It then remains for the Board, commencing in July 1969 to continue
the road widening into its own road system. Design provides for 2,100
feet of 2/24ft carriageway with 20' median and 900 feet of 2/24ft
carriageway with 4' median which, complete with kerbing and channelling,
is estimated to cost $100,000, and is expected to be completed early
in 1970.
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Most significant event in port development this year was the completion
and official opening by the Member for this electorate, The Hon. RE
Camm, MLA, Minister for Mines and Main Roads, of the Langdon Container
Berth.
A further 89 acres of land was purchased during the year as the Board's
overall plan for port development embraces a port and industrial estate
based on Mackay Harbour of 1,000 acres. A new street, Spiller Avenue,
was opened during the year with railway branch to Austral-Pacific
Fertilisers Ltd.
A start has been made on Small Boat Harbour facilities with the commencement
of the dredging contract. There is provision being made for 100 vessels.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth visited Australia for the Captain Cook
Commemoration celebrations, and Her Majesty boarded a launch in Mackay
Harbour on 16th April prior to boarding HMY "Britannia"..
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Mackay continues to foster a flourishing Tourism industry.
The Harbour continues to be the most visited tourist attraction.
Bulk Sugar Terminal inspection twice daily are always popular as is
the Harbour Beach and John Mulherin Park.
Tourist Jetty berthings by commercial Barrier Reef and Island cruise
and supply vessels were greater than last year, 1,017 berthings being
made.
The Department of Harbours & Marine has advised that with dredging
of the Small Boat Harbour completed, the extension of the boat ramp
and the construction of 60 moorings is being programmed for 1971-72.
This is the limit of the Small Boat Harbour capacity and we will be
advising the Department to plan for a larger Small Boat Harbour outside
the restricted area available in the Mackay Harbour.
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In considering the successful development of a modern port the Board
believes it is essential the port provides safe access and berthage
for vessels of 50,000 to 100,000 deadweight tonnage if the port's
operational costs are to keep pace with current economic trends.
The port must have adequate support facilites such as a highly developed
infrastructure, and an adequacy of suitable land resources.
Finally no harbour can be developed with detriment to the environment.
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The Board was very keen to implement its Northern Harbour Extension
Scheme for 100/150,000 tonnes deadweight ships, itiitally for the
coal trade and subsequently for large ships in other trades in the
future.
Mackay Harbour is supplying the pertoleum and magnetit requirements
for the coal industry and with a transport corridor to handle heavy
traffic, both road and rail, the Port will be able to service industry
at Hay Point and elsewhere in the Mackay Region. By forward planning,
the Board proposes to keep all trade and industry options under close
surveillance in what it sees as its role as Port Authority for the
District.
The Tourist Industry's needs are for a further Small Boat Harbour
and three sites have been considered by the Board's consultants -
Mackay; Hay Point; and Campwyn. The Board is advised that a small
boat harbour to accommodate upwards of 150 vessels would cost in excess
of $1 million. The Board is attraced to a Small Boat Harbour at Campwyn;
also in the Pioneer River as planned by the Mackay City Council; as
part of the combined dredging reclamation at East Mackay for tourist
high rise Residential A development.
A Land Use Study has been carried out for Mackay Harbour lands and
a strategic plan prepared embracing 530 hectares (1,300 acres) of
port and industrial sites completely serviced for road, rail, water,
drainage, sewerage and beautification including nature reserves for
screening purposes.
Harbour Boards have been urged to keep their land for substantial
port users. The Board's planning clearly confirms the relevance of
this policy.
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1973-74 has been a
singularly busy year at the Port.
At 995,851 tonnes, trade remains around the now 1 millioon tonne record
level set in 1971-72. 1974-75 however will most certainly see a new
record set.
This trade level is very comfortably handled without queuing problems
and the Board continues to seek new trade.
Dredging development was carried out to improve the turnaround time
on vessels.
The Board is keenly aware of the need to plan for the future.
The study carried out by Consulting Engineers (Messrs. Ulman &
Nolan) has proved invaluable in framing forward policy. The report
entitled "Mackay Region Port Requirements to 1990" highlights
the need for certain initiatives which are being taken by the Board
with the cooperation of the appropriate agencies. The Board is working
closley with the Pioneer Shire Council as regards zoning, strategic
planning and environmental considerations.
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