Mackay police are continuing their investigations into an incident in which a teenager drove her car off the southern breakwall at the Mackay Marina on Sunday night

Divers using air bags managed to lift the small sedan to the surface this afternoon.

The car was then towed by the recovery vessel to the public boat ramp at the marina.

The salvage exercise was supervised by Maritime Safety Queensland. The
car was removed from the marina as it represented a navigational hazard
to vessels.

Two new faces have joined the crew at the Mackay Port Authority.

The MPA has appointed business development managers Gary Riches and Greg Hinton. Both men have made the move north from the Port of Brisbane.

Seaport general manager Scott Keane said the role of the business development managers was to expand and develop opportunities for the sea and air ports.

“Whilst we have taken advantage of opportunities that we have known about and that have been brought to us in recent times what these guys will actually do is go out and identify and develop more opportunities and also work closely with our customers at the airport and seaport,” he said.

Mr Riches has extensive experience in business development and finance spanning more than 35 years.

“For me coming to Mackay is all about a challenge of a completely new environment – and what better place for a sea change than Mackay,” he said.

Mr Riches said the MPA was examining a number of potential opportunities at the airport which could include a motel development and additional commercial areas.

Mr Hinton has more than 20 years’ experience in ports, shipping, transport and logistic industries.

“Initially I’ll be focusing on the land opportunities at the harbour and will also be examining the potential for increasing cargoes through the seaport,” he said.

“I decided to move north because Mackay is such a nice area with tremendous growth opportunities. It will give me an opportunity to balance work and family life.”

Both men are keen on sport and outdoor activities. Mr Riches is a level 2 rugby league coach while Mr Hinton has refereed rugby union internationally for the past decade.

Mackay Port Authority chairman Graham Davies said the MPA was looking forward to another exciting year with the appointment of Mr Hinton and Mr Riches.

Last financial year the MPA achieved an after tax profit of $1.19 million. Operating revenue increased 29 per cent to $13.72 million. Seaport trade increased 18 per cent to 2.27 million tonnes, sugar exports were up 22.7 per cent to 1.164 million tonnes and petroleum imports rose 17 per cent to 649 000 tonnes.

Passenger throughput at the MPA’s award winning airport jumped 32 per cent to 580 000 and airport revenue rose 37 per cent to $7.82 million.

The Mackay Port Authority (MPA) is looking ahead to another bumper year after achieving record profits and increased trade and passenger growth during the 2004-05 financial year.

The MPA achieved an after tax profit of $1.19 million – up 200 per cent on the previous year. Operating revenue increased 29 per cent to $13.72 million. Passenger throughput at the MPA’s award winning airport increased 32 per cent to 580 000 and airport revenue rose 37 per cent to $7.82 million.

The Mackay Port Authority’s 2004-05 annual report was tabled in State Parliament today by Transport Minister Paul Lucas.

Queensland’s seven port authorities recorded a combined profit of $68.4 million in 2004-05. Port authorities invested $259 million in capital expenditure in 2004-05 – and increase of $119 million on the previous year.

Mackay Port Authority chairman Graham Davies said the MPA’s improved performance was a tribute to the authority’s hard working staff and employees covering the sea and air ports.

“Our operational and financial achievements also would not have been possible without the continued support of our valued customers, stakeholders and the local community,” Mr Davies said.

Mr Davies said airport passenger numbers and profits continued to climb during 2004-05.

At the seaport, trade increased 18 per cent to 2.27 million tonnes.

Other highlights included:

• Sugar exports up 22.7 per cent to 1.164 million tonnes
• Petroleum imports up 17 per cent to 649 000 tonnes.
• Grain exports up 24.4 per cent to 158 000 tonnes.

Mr Davies said a record shipment of 50 000 metric tonnes of raw sugar was loaded at Mackay Harbour in September, 2004 – eclipsing the previous record by 2000 metric tonnes.

Mr Davies also recognised the service of retiring Chairman John Taylor and long-serving board member John Stuart.

The final installation of detailed interpretive signs has enabled the Mackay Port Authority (MPA) to complete the first stage of the Kommo Toera Trail "water walk" project through the port’s conservation wetlands at Slade Point.

The 700 metre trail combines a pathway and boardwalk system that winds through the melaleuca conservation forest off Keeleys Road. The trail gives visitors a first hand insight into the biodiversity of the area’s coastal flora and fauna.

These seasonal wetlands support an extensive range of native plants and animals from weeping paperbark trees to an abundance of seasonal water birds.

Mackay Port Authority environmental manager Scott Keane said the new interpretive signs would compliment a detailed brochure that contains a map of the trail and points of interest.

"The trail has been very popular with local schools that have used the pathway through the wetlands as part of their studies on the local environment and heritage of the area," Mr Keane said.

"The interpretive signs give school groups and visitors an opportunity to enjoy a walk along the trail without having to reply on other materials. They can really get an appreciation of the site’s history, environment and the species that live here.

"There’s very little opportunity for people to learn how the site developed over time and the species and diversity of the area – the signs provide them with the information in an easy to understand manner."

The trail already has gained international notoriety with a visit by a group of American marine studies students from Stanford University.

Group leader Professor Ove Heogh-Guldberg described the trail as "active learning".

"We can’t teach this in a lecture theatre," he said.

Mr Keane said the second stage of the "water walk" project was on the drawing board and would be linked to future development at the seaport. A quarter of the port’s land has been set aside for conservation purposes.
 
The Kommo Toera Trail project was an initiative of the Mackay Port Authority and Mackay’s traditional owners, the Yuibera People and jointly funded by the MPA, State Government, Mackay Tourism and Development Bureau and the Heartland Community Development Employment Program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

The Mackay Port Authority is offering lifesavers a helping hand to keep Mackay beaches fatality-free again this summer.

The authority today presented the Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club with an Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB).

The new rescue craft will be used extensively to patrol Harbour Beach and will also assist in water safety patrols by shadowing competitors during triathlon and outrigger events.

Mackay Surf Lifesaving Club president Rod Leach said the IRB played a vital role in protecting our local beaches.

Mr Leach said the new surf lifesaving season was in full swing with hundreds of people flocking to beaches each weekend.

"We can usually expect to make one or two rescues each season,” he said.

"We will again be focussing on preventative action to keep our beaches safe.

"Last year the club didn’t record an official rescue but our lifesavers were involved in more than a thousand cases of preventative action and rendered assistance to 50 people who needed first aid treatment."

MPA chairman Graham Davies said the authority was proud to be involved in helping make Harbour Beach safer for the community.

Mr Davies praised the efforts of more than 80 active volunteers who gave up their weekends to patrol the city’s popular swimming beach

"It’s interesting to note that in Queensland last year surf lifesavers made 2625 rescues – and an IRB was used in 323 of those rescues," he said.

Mr Davies urged beachgoers to help lifesavers patrol our district beaches by swimming between the flags and obeying safety directions.

"These people risk their lives and give up their time to make our beaches safe – we should be doing everything we can to make their job as easy as possible." he said.

Local surfers and the Mackay Port Authority are joining forces to 'wipe out' vandalism at a popular board riding and picnicking beach at North Mackay.

A group of more than 80 people vandalised signs and fence railing and snapped palm trees at the North Wall car park recently.

The destruction has angered the Mackay board riding community with spokesman Michael De Pinto encouraging all members of the community to protect the North Wall beach area.

"This is a very important beach for surfers and this kind of behaviour is just unacceptable," he said.

"The North Wall is probably the most consistent place (for surfing). We love this area. The port authority maintains the facilities here and it would be disappointing if we lost access to this area because of the actions of a minority. I can only encourage people to immediately report any acts of vandalism to police or the port authority."

Mackay Port Authority sea port general manager Scott Keane said the area was covered by surveillance cameras and information would be passed onto police.

Mr Keane said the MPA had just replaced a number of palm trees that had been damaged.

A special memorial service was held at the South Wall recently to commemorate the first anniversary of the death of Mackay Navy cadet Nicholas Schumacher.

Fifteen-year-old Nicholas died in a road accident involving a troop carrier near Townsville in September last year.

Mrs Karen Johnson, son Geoffrey and Member for Mackay Tim Mulherin display a plaque that has been positioned at the southern breakwater in memory of her son, Navy cadet Nicholas Schumacher.

Nicholas’ mother Karen Johnson appealed to the MPA Board to allow her to place a small Navy plaque in his honour at the southern breakwater. Mackay City Council had earlier refused the woman’s request to place the plaque at the Lambert’s Beach Lookout -- deeming it “inappropriate”.

Mrs Johnson thanked the MPA Board for its understanding.

Mrs Johnson said in a letter to The Daily Mercury newspaper: It has become more apparent to myself, my children and Nick’s mates that it is very important to have separation between our home and a special place to go and have a chat and to just think about all the things that Nick had done in his short life. My six-year-old son Geoffrey now has a special place to read to his big brother. My other children aged between 19 and six have had their opportunity to do their own thing at the south wall.

Mrs Johnson also thanked the Member for Mackay Tim Mulherin for his support.

The Mackay Port Authority has recognised the hard work of former engineer Paul Coghlan by naming a street after him.

Mr Coghlan was in Mackay recently for the official dedication of Paul Coghlan Crescent at the Mackay Marina.

Former MPA Engineer Paul Coghlan has been recognised for 34 years of dedicated service to the Port Authority.

Mr Coghlan retired in 1999 after 34 years with the authority.

Mr Coghlan joined the port authority as an engineer with the then Mackay Harbour Board on April 12, 1965, after serving 10 years with the Department or Harbours and Marine.

Mackay Port Authority Chairman Graham Davies said over the years Mr Coghlan became responsible for the planning, design and construction of numerous harbour facilities and the development of the surrounding land.

Mr Coghlan directed the development of many important projects including the $16 million redevelopment of Mackay Airport.

Other projects also included:
• Construction of the Langdon Container Berth and associated facilities
• Reconstruction of the Breast Wharf Tanker Berth
• Deepening of Mackay Harbour to 8.5 metres
• Construction of the Grain Terminal, with Port and road facilities, No. 5 Berth and the grain loading facilities
• Extension of No. 4 Berth
Construction of the Crown Small Boat Harbour & facilities
• Construction of the Slipway
• Widening and extension of the boat ramp
the four lane Harbour Road construction
Provision of a water supply and reticulation to the Harbour
• Industrial land development – Presto Avenue / Satellite Crescent
• Strengthening of the southern breakwater and the 200 metre extension

Mr Davies said he never actually worked with Mr Coghlan.

“He had retired when I came onto the board in 1999, but his legacy of 34 years with the port authority lives on today.

“I recall reading an article in The Daily Mercury when Paul retired. He was asked by a reporter to reflect on more than three decades with the port authority – and replied. It was not just a job – but a way of life.”

“I think that pretty well sums up the dedication and passion Paul had for his job.”

Mr Davies also paid tribute to Mr Coghlan’s community work and long association with junior rugby league.

Two Australian Navy vessels have steamed into Mackay Harbour.

HMAS Diamantina is in port until Tuesday, April 26 and the crew will participate in Anzac Day ceremonies and activities in Mackay and Sarina.

HMAS Tarakan is a Landing Craft Heavy (LCH) and is expected to depart some time this evening. The vessel stopped in Mackay to pick up supplies.

A civic reception will be held for the crew of Diamantina at the Mackay Surf Club at 5.30pm today.

Five people have found themselves in hot water after behind caught by police inside the port security cordon at Mackay Harbour.

Mackay Port Authority CEO Greg Mann at the security gates on Harbour Road.

Four women and a man were apprehended by police after allegedly breaking through a security fence bordering Mulherin Park on Sunday night.

The five will become the second group of people to face charges under the Federal Government’s new anti-terrorism laws, designed to protect Australia’s seaports.

Two men pleaded guilty and were convicted of similar offences after being detained inside the port landside security cordon on New Year’s Day. They were fined $125 and a conviction was recorded under the Maritime Transport Security Regulations 2003.

Mackay Police chief Superintendent Gary Harland and Mackay Port Authority chief executive officer Greg Mann have appealed to the public not to enter the security cordon.

Superintendent Harland said people must be responsible for their own actions and realize that the security cordon at the harbour was a “no go” area.

“If people don’t want the consequences – they shouldn’t breach the cordon. It is a serious offence and if a conviction is recorded – it could have implications as far as international travel and visas are concerned.”

Superintendent Harland said police were continuing their investigations into the incident.

Meantime, Mackay Port Authority CEO Greg Mann said it was disappointing some people were choosing to ignore repeated warnings not to breach the security cordon.

Mr Mann said the matter was now in the hands of the police and they would decide what charges were laid.

“People must realize that it is a serious offence. We are living in a new world post September 11.

“The new legislation protects our international market access for the region’s exports such as sugar. If we don’t comply millions of dollars worth of exports could be turned away from international ports.”

Mr Mann said the MPA had invested more than a million dollars to comply with the new Federal legislation. The Mackay Port Authority was one of the first seaport managers in Australia to have its anti-terrorism security plans endorsed by the Federal Department of Transport and Regional Services.

The offence of “unauthorised entry” carries a maximum fine of $5500.

The German cruise liner Astor pulled into Mackay this morning to take on supplies as part of a four month around the world voyage.

The Cruise Ship Astor enters Mackay Harbour

The 20 000 ton vessel carrying about 350 passengers berthed at Mackay Harbour just after 11 a.m.

Mackay Tourism Limited general manager David Phillips said passengers would enjoy a number of sight-seeing tours today, including an excursion to the Upper Pioneer Valley

Mr Phillips said the visit had the potential to inject up to $100 000 into the local economy.

The Astor is due to leave Mackay tonight.

A short cut home has landed two Queensland New Year’s Eve revelers in hot water under the Federal Government’s new anti-terrorism laws designed to protect the nation’s sea ports.

Gary McKenna, aged 27 and 26-year-old Heath Sneddon, pleaded guilty to unauthorised entry under the Maritime Transport Security Regulations 2003, when they appeared in the Mackay Magistrate’s Court this morning.

The Mackay men are the first in Australia to be charged and convicted under the new anti-terror laws.

Magistrate Ross Risson said the men breached the security cordon at Mackay Harbour when they attempted to take a “short cut” home through the port in the early hours of New Year’s Day.

Mr Risson said he would deal with the matter as trespass and accepted the men had made an unfortunate error of judgment.

He fined both men $125 and recorded a conviction.

Speaking outside the court today, Mackay Port Authority chief executive officer Greg Mann said a 4.7 kilometre security fence was placed around the commercial harbour precinct in July last year.

Mr Mann appealed to the community to comply with the new regulations.

“People must understand that the port’s commercial and operational precinct is now a ‘no go’ area and anyone found breaching the security cordon or damaging fencing will be reported to police,” he said.

“The Magistrate in this instance saw fit to hand out a $125 fine after accepting these men’s version of the events on New Year’s Day.

“It’s to be pointed out that the maximum penalty under the new regulations is in fact $5500.”

The final phase of an extensive maintenance dredging and seabed levelling program at Mackay Harbour is nearing completion.

Late last year, the Port of Brisbane dredge Brisbane removed about 100 000 cubic metres of material from the main harbour swing basin and port berths. About 40 000 cubic metres of material is deposited in the harbour by incoming tidal waters each year.

The $400 000 dredging program has enabled the Mackay Port Authority (MPA) to economically restore navigation depths – making it possible for the port to safely continue handling up to Panamax class cargo vessels.

Environmental manager Scott Keane said the viability of the port hinged on maintaining depth levels.

“If we don’t dredge the harbour it will restrict the draft of the vessels using the port,” he said. “This will make us less attractive internationally because ships won’t be able to load as much cargo and that in turn would increase freight rates for cargo shipped out of Mackay.”

Mr Keane said the seabed levelling program currently underway was the final phase of a new three year dredging program being conducted by the MPA.

The bed leveller – a 12 metre long blade, similar to a large dozer blade, towed by a tender vessel – planes off the ‘high spots’ left behind after dredging.

“Digital computer equipment and echo sounders on board the tender vessel enable the operator to precisely monitor the levelling work,” Mr Keane said.

“It’s important all ridges and high spots are removed as this will maximize the size of the ships able to use the port.”

Mackay police are increasing patrols of old Mulherin Park at Mackay Harbour after vandals attacked playground equipment for the second time in less than a week.

Vandals returned to the park at the weekend for a second ‘bite’ at popular cartoon character Snoopy.

Snoop’s right paw was souvenired last Thursday night. The Mackay Port Authority has offered a $100 reward for the return of the limb.

MPA communications manager Colin Wilson said vandals struck again at the weekend targeting another limb that had been repaired by workers late last week.

The incident has been reported to police.

Senior Sergeant Noel Lang said police would increase patrols of the area in light of the most recent attack.

“We have a couple of areas where vandals have been active in recent weeks – Old Mulherin Park is one and we will be boosting patrols in a bid to curb this senseless vandalism,” he said.

Meantime, Mr Wilson said the MPA would encourage police to lay charges against anyone found vandalizing the park or MPA property.

“The Mackay community has strong ties with the park – it’s considered a local asset. It’s great to see families utilizing the facilities – whether it’s enjoying a barbecue or a picnic,” he said.

“Children just love the cartoon characters in the park. It’s a shame that a minority group believes it has the right to destroy and damage property the community enjoys.

“If someone is apprehended over these matters, we will have no hesitation in urging police to lay charges and put these people before the court.”

Anyone with information concerning vandalism at old Mulherin Park is asked to contact Mackay police on 49 683444.

The Mackay Port Authority has offered a $100 reward for the return of a limb hacked from a favourite cartoon character at popular Old Mulherin Park at Mackay Harbour.

MPA CEO Greg Mann inspects the damage caused to Snoopy at Old Mulherin Park

Snoopy’s right paw was souvenired by vandals last night.

Mackay Port Authority chief executive officer Greg Mann said the incident was just one of a number of acts of senseless vandalism in the family park over the past few months.

“It’s disappointing not only from our perspective – but from the scores of children who enjoy the park every day,” he said.

Mr Mann is encouraging people to report all act of vandalism to police.

Emergency services and port workers were given an opportunity to respond to a hands-on terrorism attack at Mackay Harbour this morning.

The training exercise involved a state of emergency being declared, after a three kilogram bomb “exploded” under the main fuel products wharf – sparking an intense fire that destroyed buildings and equipment.

The exercise enabled the Mackay Port Authority to put its Seaport Bomb Threat Plan into action following the introduction of strict new anti-terrorism laws that came into force at the harbour on July 1.

Mackay Port Authority operations manager John Kraft said the training exercise involved more than 30 emergencies services personnel, including Mackay police and MPA employees.

The scenario involved the discovery -- and eventual detonation -- of a three kilogram bomb, beneath the main fuel products wharf.

The explosion destroyed the wharf structure and amenities building – sparking a fierce fire. The fire was controlled tug crews and firefighters using a foam smothering agent.

Mr Kraft said the exercise highlighted a few areas of concern.

“We are now looking at a common communications radio system that can be used by all agencies, but overall the exercise went smoothly,” he said.

The exercise lifted Mackay’s anti-terrorism status to Security Assessment Level Three – the highest level under the new Maritime Transport Security Act.

The Mackay Port Authority’s Kommo Toera Trail is about to become an important environmental learning tool for local schools.

Year Seven students from St Francis Xavier School this week became the first Mackay students to experience the wonders of the “water walk” that winds through the MPA’s melaleuca conservation forest.

Environmental manager Scott Keane said a detailed map and brochure had been produced to help people negotiate the 700 metre trail through the wetlands of the port conservation area.

“The brochure contains a map outlining significant points of interest. It’s designed to be informative and educational,” he said.

The trail boasts an abundance of natural wildlife and flora – ranging from weeping paperbark and melaleuca trees to brolgas and egrets.

Mr Keane said the trail was a pathway for all seasons.

“At the moment the trail is dry, but rain will transform the area into a haven for a variety of water birds and plants, such as lilies and native shrubs,” he said.

St Francis Xavier teacher Kathy Wessel said more than 50 Year Seven students enjoyed the water walk adventure.

“The children enjoyed the bird hides and the beauty of the natural forest,” Mrs Wessel said. “It was a great experience.”

Three 40 metre long, heavy machinery transporters will soon go into service at the Bowen Basin coal mines, after recently being shipped from Taiwan to Mackay.

The loaders arrived in six sections – each weighing 80 tonne – and will be assembled to form three, 40 metre long self-propelled modules at McAleese Transport’s Milton Street yard.

Each module will be capable of carrying equipment weighing up to 850 tonne.

McAleese Transport general manager Keith Price said the modules would be used extensively in the Bowen Basin mining industry.

There was also potential for the modules to be shipped overseas for use on major international projects.

A record shipment of 50 000 metric tons of raw sugar will be loaded at Mackay Harbour tonight..

The $12.5 million shipment has been purchased by Malaysian refiners.

The sugar will be loaded on board the Handymax class vessel Limnos. The Mackay Bulk Sugar Terminal has the capacity to load the vessel at a rate of about 2200 tons an hour.

Mackay Port Authority chairman John Taylor said the 50 000 metric ton loading will eclipse the previous highest total in Mackay by 2000 metric tons.

The previous record of 48 000 metric tons was loaded by the Artemis in December 2001.

Mr Taylor said the Mackay Port Authority and Queensland Sugar invested more than $20 million upgrading the port’s sugar loading capabilities in 2000.

“This investment has been well and truly justified and now places the port in a strategic position for the future,” he said.

Andy Overend dusted off a piece of Mackay heritage this week to toast two important milestones – his 65th birthday and the opening of Mackay’s commercial harbour.

Andy came into the world the same day that former Queensland Premier William Forgan Smith sailed into Mackay on board the Sydney Star  to officially open the city’s new harbour.

Toasting Mackay Harbour's 65 year milestone this week are Andy Overend (centre), Mackay Port Authority chairman John Taylor and director Robynne Dudley.

“It’s been a double celebration ever since,” Andy said, proudly displaying a silver mug that’s now become a family heirloom.

The small silver chalice was produced to commemorate the harbour opening on August 26, 1939, but Andy’s grandmother Elizabeth Waller thought it would be the prefect gift to celebrate Andy’s birth.

The chalice became Andy’s Christening Cup and is inscribed:” Andrew James Overend; August 26, 1939; Opening Day at Mackay Harbour”. The Mackay Harbour badge, issued to commemorate the event, was fixed to the other side of the cup.

It was the start of a close association the Overend family would have with Mackay Harbour.

“My father was a wharfie and worked at the harbour for more than 30 years,” Andy said.

“It was an exciting place in those days. We would often head to the harbour for a swim or to go fishing – you always came home with a feed.”

Andy’s fondest memory was hitching a ride on the sugar bags as they made their way along a conveyer belt on the main sugar pier.

“We used to ride the sugar bags and hang on for dear life. It was great fun. They would slide onto the wharf and the wharfies would pick up the bags and put them in a sling and chuck them into the hold for stacking.

“The waterfront was an interesting place for a young boy – full of interesting characters.”

Bill Smith was one of Andy’s favourites.

“He was a cartoonist who would record daily events with a piece of chalk – sketching local wharfies on the jetty and the sides of ships,” Andy said.

“He’d draw everyone from sailors to wharfies. Even dad found his face on the side of a ship at one time or another,”

Bill Smith and another wharfie Tony Elliott teamed up to produce a booklet of cartoons depicting the antics of their fellow workmates.

Very few people escaped the satire of Bill’s pen. Terry Hayes, the father of Daily Mercury contributor Terry Hayes junior found himself immortalized in the book. Terry senior was a keen punter. The cartoon shows Terry getting the “good oil” straight from the horse’s mouth.

Andy is now looking forward to retirement after spending 41 years as a compositor at The Daily Mercury and more recently in private business.

“I’ll put the cup away for another year now – and hopefully in 12 months will be able to toast my 66th birthday – and of course the official opening of Mackay Harbour,” he said.

The Mackay Port Authority today celebrates a 65 year milestone.

August 26 marked the official opening of the harbour in 1939 by Queensland Premier W. Forgan Smith.

Construction started in 1935 with rock for the southern and northern break walls being sourced from Mt Bassett.

The harbour project – under the direction of the Mackay Harbour Board -- was completed at a cost of 2.75 million pounds.

The Mackay Harbour Board became the Mackay Port Authority in 1989.

Mackay Port Authority chairman John Taylor (centre) was given an informal briefing on the current plight of the sugar industry this week.

Mr Taylor enjoyed a tour of a farm owned by Mackay Canegrowers chairman Paul Schembri (right) and his brother Joe. The farm visit also included an opportunity to climb into the cab of cane harvester. The Mackay district is expected to produce about seven million tonnes of cane this year.

Mackay Port Authority’s environmental manager Scott Keane went back to the classroom today to give a group of Year 12 marine studies students from Holy Spirit College a helping hand.

Examining water samples at the marina boat ramp are marine studies teacher Kelly Goodingham, students Blake Thompson and Jasmine Rau, and Mackay Port Authority environmental manager Scott Keane.

Mr Keane assisted the budding marine biologists in taking water samples at the Mackay Marina.

Mr Keane also outlined the port authority’s marine pollution response capabilities and responsibilities.

“Water quality is an important part of their two-year marine studies course,” he said.

‘The MPA is one of a few organisations that undertake regular water quality monitoring – so we are able to go through the process with them in conjunction with our consultants Connell Wagner.”

Mr Keane said the MPA was happy to assist other schools with similar projects.

Old Mulherin Park is about to undergo a major facelift.

The Mackay Port Authority today announced plans to enhance the playground and picnicking facilities at the popular family recreational park.

MPA chairman John Taylor said the re-enhancement would involve the beautification of a neighboring area of port-owned land, adjacent to the existing park and Mackay’s world-class marina and hotel complex.

An artist's impression of the park extension.

“We are looking at installing a variety of new educational and exciting playground equipment for children to enjoy, plus a few more barbecues,” Mr Taylor said. “Fred Flintstone and the gang will remain under an existing port commitment to the JM Mulherin Memorial Park.”

An extensive tree planting program will soon get underway to ensure the new area provides families with adequate shade into the future.

The new-look park will be the centre-piece of a development program involving the MPA’s south-east port lands. It will include the retention of the existing playground equipment and coconut grove area as well as the enhancement of the southern portion of the park, opposite the hotel.

The MPA Board recently examined a number of concepts for the land, including development and extensive recreational options supported by the authority’s Community Reference Group (CRG).

Mr Taylor said the Board had basically rubberstamped three major precinct options put forward by the CRG and originally outlined in The Daily Mercury on February 16 this year.

“CRG members went to their supporters and community groups and asked what development would be suitable for the port’s strategic south-east lands,” he said.

“The community identified the northern end of Old Mulherin Park (part of Precinct 1) as being suitable for marine use activities, including additional vessel repair facilities.

“This is the area in which the MPA has been forced to remove dead and decaying Norfolk Island Pines.”

Mr Taylor said a number of safety concerns were raised with the MPA over dead branches falling near picnickers. The grove was evaluated by the Curator of the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Mr Ross McKinnon.

Mr McKinnon – one of Queensland’s most respected arborists – found the pines were deteriorating and were showing signs of marked degeneration, due to saltwater inundation and advanced age.

He found the pines represented a public safety threat, forcing the MPA to take action under its duty of care to the community.

Mr Taylor said the CRG also identified that Precinct 2 – land opposite the marina residential development – could be considered for light industrial or business activities.

He said the Board also supported the CRG’s option for Precinct 3 -- a parcel of land, south-west of the yacht club roundabout on Mulherin Drive and Ron Searle Drive.

“This land will be beautified through additional tree planting and we will explore the possibility of enhancing the area using eco-opportunities, such as boardwalks,” Mr Taylor said.

Mr Taylor thanked the community for its feedback.

“At the end of the day we do have an obligation to our shareholding Ministers to return a profit on our assets. I think the community recognises this,” he said.

“The proposed expansion of marina repair activities will not only create more jobs and lift skill levels, but will further enhance Mackay’s reputation and capabilities as a major repair and refit port in Queensland,” he said.

Mackay woodturners are in a spin over plans by the Mackay Port Authority to axe a number of dying Norfolk Island Pine trees at the harbour.

Mackay Woodturner's association committee member Neville Helsham gets a helping hand from Greg Steward from the Mackay Port Authroity to load a trailer at the harbour.

The Curator of the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Ross McKinnon this week issued a detailed report on the deteriorating and unsafe condition of the pine and palm grove at the northern end of old Mulherin Park.

Mr McKinnon – one of Queensland’s most respected arborists – found many of the pine trees were dead and stressed and in the final five years of life.

He found a combination of climatic conditions and an unsuitable environment were killing the 46 year-old grove.

But the decaying pines will be put to good use – much to the appreciation of Mackay’s 80-strong member woodturner’s association

Committee member Neville Helsham hit the jackpot when workers removed another dozen sick trees yesterday.

Mr Helsham said the local association often struggled to find a suitable supply of timber, particularly Norfolk Pine.

Mr Helsham displays bowls he's crafted from Norfolk Pine.

The pine trees are destined for lathes throughout Mackay and will be transformed into local craft items, such as bowls and platters.

Mr Helsham said he was surprised at the poor condition of the grove.

“I can remember coming here years ago. You wouldn’t believe it was the same place,” he said.

“The trees are in a very poor state.”

Mackay Port Authority environmental manager Scott Keane said an assessment of the grove was underway.

Mr Keane said the timber would be stockpiled by the MPA and was available on request.

A combination of climatic conditions and an unsuitable environment are killing a 46-year-old Norfolk Island Pine grove at Mackay Harbour.

Curator of the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Ross McKinnon, today provided the Mackay Port Authority with a detailed health report on the pine and palm trees at the northern end of old Mulherin Park.

The report was commissioned after concerns the trees were deteriorating and could pose a safety threat to park users and picnickers.

Mr McKinnon said the trees were showing signs of marked degeneration due to saltwater inundation and their advanced age.

“Their amenity value and safety must now be questioned,” he said.

“It has been my observation that Norfolk Island Pines have a life span of 80 to 100 years under ideal growing conditions.

“These Mackay foreshore pines have grown in far less than ideal conditions and their removal for safety reasons appears imminent.”

Mr McKinnon – one of Queensland’s most respected arborists – said the harbour pines were already showing marked signs of age deterioration with a number now totally dead and many stressed and in the last five years of life.

He said the trees were originally planted too close together.

“Removal of every second pine tree would not alleviate root competition, remaining tree deterioration or general health,” Mr McKinnon said.

“Combined with a sand soil profile, these sands have readily absorbed vast quantities of salt/sea water from tidal surges. I know of no tree other than mangrove species that can withstand saltwater inundation for even short periods of time without deleterious affects.

“Constant salt laden winds (10-15 knots), storms and cyclones are not uncommon to Norfolk Pines in their natural habitat but salt on the waxy pine needles does, in aging trees, have an accumulating effect and is a contributing factor to their deterioration and death.”

Mr McKinnon said the trees were unsuitable for replanting.

Mackay Port Authority’s environmental manager Scott Keane said a decision had yet to be made on the future of the grove.

“A number of factors will come into play, including the observations made by Mr McKinnon in his report,” he said.

“We are talking about a public safety issue here – and the MPA has a duty of care to ensure the grove is maintained in a safe condition. Our workers have been busy over the past few weeks removing dead branches that have fallen from the pine trees in strong winds.”

Mr Keane said another six trees have been identified as unsafe and would be removed later this week.

A global war on terrorism has forced the Mackay Port Authority to block public access to Mackay’s busy sea port.

A strict security cordon will be enforced from midnight tonight that will prevent the community accessing the port’s operational and commercial precincts.

The Mackay Port Authority has invested more than a $1 million into the security upgrade that includes a five kilometre security fence around the sea port, automatic gates on Harbour Road and state-of-the-art security surveillance cameras and equipment.

The MPA was one of the first sea ports in Australian to have its anti-terrorism plans endorsed by the Federal Department of Transport and Regional Services.

Port operations manager John Kraft said all Australian sea ports were given until July 1 to comply with new legislation under the Maritime Transport Security Act 2003.

This plan now guarantees Mackay’s exports access to international sea ports, particularly the United States.

Mr Kraft said access to the port’s new security zone would only be granted to people who had legitimate business reasons for entering the security regulated port.

“Automatic gates have now been installed on Harbour Road and people will now need to hold a port security identification card or visitor’s card to gain access to the security zone,” he said.

Mr Kraft said breaches under the Act could attract penalties of up to $5000.

He said all areas within the commercial precinct were now off limits, including water side, unless permission was obtained from the regional harbour master. Special approval was needed to conduct aquatic activities.

“Unfortunately fishing within the security zone, including the northern breakwater, is now off limits,” Mr Kraft said. “But fishermen will still be able to gain access to the southern breakwater under normal security conditions.”

Mr Kraft said additional information on the new port security plan and cordon were available on the MPA’s website at www.mackayports.com

The Mackay Port Authority has clarified claims made in a Brisbane newspaper  that the Department of Environment and Heritage has vetoed a plan by the MPA to undertake a major dredging exercise at Mackay Harbour.

Environmental Manager Scott Keane said the department had asked the MPA for additional information regarding its proposal to vary an existing dredging permit.

MPA Environm ental Manager Scott Keane.

This has resulted in the elimination of the preferred option to utilize the dredger “Brisbane” on its northward passage along the Queensland coast later this month.

Efforts are now being directed towards gaining approval to undertake the works in September on the return southward passage of the vessel.

“This variation would allow the MPA to remove and deposit at sea about 120,000m3 of spoil from the harbour every three years supplemented by minor follow up maintenance, rather than an on-going program that excavates 50,000m3 each year,” he said.

The material originates from suspended material entering the harbour on each tidal inflow and settling out of suspension,

It has been deposited at a spoil ground north-east of Slade Island for more than a quarter of a century. Over the five year permit life, the amount to be moved remains the same and even with the planned concentrated program, the volume to be deposited equates to less than 85mm over the spoil ground.

Mr Keane said the MPA had engaged consultants to investigate what impact, if any, the new dredging procedure would have on the spoil ground.

“We have been depositing material in the same area for more than 25 years.” he said.

“Detailed studies by the Co-operative Research Centre (Reef) and the State Department of Primary Industries have shown no discernable differences between the spoil grounds and bordering areas. The material disperses quickly as it’s subject to high energy current and wave action.”

Mr Keane said the MPA recognised it had a responsibility to ensure that the new practice would not impact on the environment.

He said the new dredging regime had the potential to provide significant cost benefits.

“The proposal is to utilize the MV Brisbane, a trailing suction hopper dredge, to extract the material from the harbour once every three years. At the moment we use a grab dredge and hopper barge system that’s proving to be more costly and not as efficient,” Mr Keane said.

“At the end of the day we would like to use the MV Brisbane during its southbound return run down the coast later this year, but let’s wait and see what the consultants have to say. Hopefully the report will be available by the end of the week.”

Mackay’s newly elected city councillors were given a detailed briefing on the Mackay Port Authority’s activities at a special meeting this week.

Timber recovered from the demolition of the original sugar shed at Mackay Harbour will soon find a final resting place at Old Parliament House in Canberra.

The 70-year-old timber structure on Number Two pier is being demolished to make way for future facilities.

Between 60 and 70 tonne of grey iron bark, hand cut in the Mackay area in the1930s, will be recycled as floor boards and bench tops, including a bar as part of the restoration of Old Parliament House.

Like a good wine – the timber has improved with age.

Mackay Port Authority chairman John Taylor said the timber was in better condition now, than when it was originally laid in the late 1930s.

“The Royal Cut Timber has been allowed to season and dry slowly. Lengths of more than seven metres in such good condition are rare and are keenly sought after by restorers,” he said.

The demolition work will start tomorrow (Wednesday) and is expected to take up to six weeks to complete.

The timber will be transported south by three semi-trailers.

“It’s comforting to know that a piece of Mackay’s heritage will find its final resting place in the nation’s capital, especially in a historic building such as Old Parliament House,” Mr Taylor said.

“Every room in Old Parliament House is said to have a story to tell. I’m sure there have been a few great yarns spun under the roof of our old shed over the years.”

The Mackay Port Authority has become one of the first seaports in Australia to have its anti-terrorism security plans endorsed by the Federal Government.

The MPA’s 360 page Port Operator and Port Facility Operators Security Plan has been officially approved by the Department of Transport and Regional Services.

The document guarantees Mackay exports access to international seaports, particularly the United States.

All Australian ports have until July 1 to comply with strict security regulations under the Federal Maritime Transport Security Act 2003. These regulations cover land and sea based security provisions and procedures.
 
Chief executive officer Greg Mann said the MPA had spent the past 16 months consulting with port users and other interested parties in a bid to prepare a detailed maritime security risk assessment for the Port of Mackay.

“The security risks have been identified and this assessment has helped the MPA develop the security plan,” he said.

Mr Mann said the port was on target to complete a five kilometre security cordon around the sea port by the July 1 deadline.
 
The fence will start on the northern side of the northern breakwater from the eastern wharf approach, following the grain terminal and bulk sugar terminal fence lines to cross Harbour Road at the MPA workshop. It will then progress southward along the Shell, BP fence line, eastward along the southern boundary of the Mobil terminal, across the southern end of Hamilton drive then north along the eastern side of Hamilton Drive. The fence will continue east to the Tallow tanks, behind the Invert and Molasses tanks, and along the inner breakwater to the eastern approach to number One wharf. 

“These new restriction will soon make the commercial harbour precinct off limits to the public,” Mr Mann said.

 “People will still be able to gain access to the southern breakwater and the Northern Beach, via Spiller Avenue.”

The MPA is also currently installing automatic gates on Harbour Road. Similar gates will be erected on Edmund Casey Drive. The harbour’s security surveillance systems are also being upgraded.

Mr Mann said people who ignored the regulations under the new Act could face hefty penalties. Fines of up to $4200 could be imposed on individuals. Clubs and corporate bodies could face penalties totaling $110 000 for each offence.

Leisure activities within the commercial harbour will also have restrictions.

At security levels 2 and 3 all non commercial activities will be prohibited.

People wanting to undertake these activities must now comply with the following requirements.

• Applications to stage aquatic events must be lodged with the Regional Harbour Master.
• All activities must be covered by a risk management survey.
• Applicants must provide a detail plan outlining their activities.
• Activities must be covered by comprehensive public liability insurance.
• All applications must be approved by the Regional Harbour Master and the Mackay Port Authority.

“Some people might believe these new restrictions are excessive, but the MPA has an obligation to comply with the new Federal Act and at the end of the day these new laws override Queensland legislation,” Mr Mann said.

“The Port of Mackay is currently operating on a Level One Security Threat Assessment.

“Considering the conflict and potential threat of terrorism around the globe – level one could now be considered as ‘normal’,” he said.
 
“The port would go to Level Two if a threat to an Australian seaport was identified and Level Three is imposed if a threat is considered imminent.”

Mr Mann apologised to the community for any inconvenience.
 
“The terrorist attacks on the US have made the world a different place to live. Unfortunately, it looks are though we will have to learn to live with these new laws and regulations for sometime yet,” he said.

Port users and emergency services personnel were among more than 20 people today to receive a detailed update and briefing on the Mackay Port Authority’s draft security plan covering the harbour precinct.

The security plan is currently being reviewed by the Department of Transport and Regional Services and under Federal legislation must be fully operational by July 1.

Port operations manager John Kraft said the briefing gave all parties an opportunity to ask additional questions about the implementation and impact the plan would have on port operations.

Mr Kraft said Mackay was expected to be one of the first ports in Australia to have its plan approved by the Federal Government.

The security plan has taken almost 18 months to prepare.

“There’s been extensive consultation with port users and other interested parties and we are expecting the government to sign off on the plan any day now,” he said.

Mr Kraft said public access to the port would soon be restricted with the construction of an additional two kilometres of security fencing.

“Overall the security cordon will involve about five kilometres of fencing. Automatic boom gates will also be installed on Harbour Road and on Edmund Casey Drive,” he said.

While the main commercial area of the port will be off limits to the public, people will retain access to the southern breakwater.

The Mackay Port Authority is exploring new options that will enable junior sailors to continue to train at Mackay Harbour.

The MPA this afternoon convened a meeting between the Regional Harbour Master and the Mackay Yacht Club to discuss safety and security issues at the busy sea port.

The club’s dinghy division had expressed concerns that new Federal anti-terrorism legislation and an increase in safety-related incidents could force the young sailors out of the harbour.

MPA chairman John Taylor said today’s talks had been positive.

“The Mackay Port Authority has no objections over training, provided it is done safely, doesn’t interfere with port traffic and security responsibilities,” he said.

“Large ships and small boats just don’t mix – and we have had a couple of potentially serious incidents at the harbour over the past few weeks that have highlighted this.”

Mr Taylor said the Regional Harbour Master was responsible for port safety.

He said the Yacht Club would be required to obtain an authority, agreeing to comply with special conditions under the Marine Safety Act, if it wanted to continue to use the harbour area for leisure activities.

These conditions covered a duty of care, safety, codes of practice and general safety and security obligations.

Mr Taylor said a new protocol required the yacht club to check on shipping movements before the juniors were allowed to train in the harbour. A similar rule would cover yacht races and other aquatic events.

“The onus is on the club to obtain this information from Hay Point Vessel Traffic Service and the Mackay Port Authority.

“These talks today have given everyone an opportunity to have their say and agree on a way forward,” Mr Taylor said.

The Mackay Port Authority is investigating avenues that could allow junior sailors to continue to train in Mackay Harbour.

The Federal Government’s new anti-terrorism regulations are threatening to sink all leisure activities within Mackay’s commercial harbour precinct.

Mackay Port Authority chairman John Taylor said senior officers were reviewing the new legislation and the port’s obligations under the Maritime Transport Security Act.

The regulations require the MPA to introduce exclusion zones within the commercial harbour from July 1.

“We have taken on board the concerns of the Mackay Yacht Club, in particular the situation involving the club’s dinghy division and the training of junior sailors,” Mr Taylor said.

“It’s too early to say if we have room to manoeuvre. It would be nice to think that we can find a compromise, even if it is on an ad hoc basis when there are no ships in the harbour, or there are no departures or arrivals.We will be examining all possibilities.”

Mr Taylor said he would meet with the club’s commodore Nev Edwards and the dinghy division’s rear commodore Jake Madden on Tuesday to discuss a variety of issues including security and safety.

Under the new Act, the Mackay Port Authority will be required to monitor, manage and where possible police the “no go” or exclusion areas.

Safety within the harbour precinct will also be raised in light of a potentially dangerous situation last Saturday in which an outrigger canoe capsized after venturing too close to the rear of a tug engaged in berthing a sugar ship.

The incident has sparked a marine investigation by the regional harbour master.

Mr Taylor said Regional Harbour Master John Ellyett would also attend Tuesday’s meeting to outline his concerns over current activities within the harbour.

“The incident involving the outrigger paddler on Saturday is testimony of the potential dangers than can arise when you combine commercial shipping with boating and leisure activities in a busy harbour,“ he said.

“Fortunately, this person wasn’t injured, but he could have been seriously injured or killed.”

Anti-terrorism laws are forcing the Mackay Port Authority to proceed with plans to undertake a million dollar security upgrade at Mackay Harbour.

The main breast wharf will soon be off limits to the community.

A security cordon will restrict public access to the port’s operational areas, including storage, loading and industrial facilities. Automated boom gates will be erected on Harbour Road and Edmund Casey Drive.

Mackay Port Authority chief executive officer Greg Mann said the MPA’s Security and Risk Assessment plans were currently being assessed by the Federal Government.

“It’s taken us almost 18 months to develop these plans but we have always been on the front foot and we have been leading as a port in the development of the risk assessment and the security plans,” he said.

“The whole thrust of this is to make sure we meet all the compliance requirements and we protect our continued trade corridors.”

Mr Mann was confident the MPA would have the new security cordon in place by late May – well in advance of the Federal Government’s July 1 deadline under the new Marine Security Act.

“Basically, the operational areas of the port will be off limits to the public. A security fence will prevent access and electronic surveillance systems will be upgraded to monitor the port precinct,” he said.

“The public will retain access to the extended southern breakwall and at this stage surfers will still be able to catch a wave at the north wall.”

Security infrastructure costs were expected to top a million dollars and would be recovered through additional charges on port users.

Mr Mann said Mackay was a bulk shipping port and would be classified as a relatively “low risk” port to terrorist attack, when compared with larger city ports that handled large quantities of containerized cargo.

click here to download a map of the new restricted areas.

The Mackay Port Authority and Port Binnli are helping to restore an important piece of Queensland’s maritime history.

The two organisations are combining with local firm BFB Scaffolding and Dulux to give Pine Islet Lighthouse at the Mackay Marina a fresh coat of paint.

Mackay Port Authority workers today started erecting the scaffolding around the 13 metre high structure.

Communication manager Colin Wilson said the MPA was please to be able to help restore what was now recognised as the last operational kerosene powered lighthouse in the world.

The light began operating on Pine Islet in July, 1885. Pine Islet is situated in the Percy Group of islands 125 kilometres E-SE of Mackay.

The original lamp was an oil wick burner, fueled by whale or vegetable oil. In 1923 the light was converted to kerosene. The vapour burner was eventually upgraded in 1934 with the installation of a refurbished lantern from North Reef.

The lamp was driven by a clockwork mechanism that had to be wound every two hours.

After 104 years of service, the lighthouse was replaced by a fully automatic solar powered light in 1985. The lighthouse was dismantled and shipped to Mackay for restoration in 1986.

Erecting the scaffolding on the Pine Islet Lighthouse restoration project today are Bill Dunn, Neil MacDonald, Mitch Downman, Ian Maes and Jim Litzow.

The lighthouse has now become an important landmark at the Mackay Marina.

Port Binnli operations manager Alan Jolley hopes the work on the lighthouse will be completed by the end of the week.

“This work is part of the on-going preservation of the lighthouse,”  Mr Jolley said. ”The unit had some rust and desperately needed a paint job and this was a community contribution to get that job done.”

The Mackay Port Authority has reopened the southern break wall today, after the harbour area was battered by three metre seas and 40 knot winds earlier this week.

Communications manager Colin Wilson said the wild weather caused only minor damage to the breakwater road.

“Workers have been busy clearing debris and rocks from the roadway this morning,” he said.

The MPA closed the break wall to vehicles and pedestrians on Tuesday after huge waves whipped up by gale force winds started dumping rocks onto the road way.

"It was just too dangerous to keep the roadway open," Mr Wilson said.

Big seas, whipped up by 40 knot winds have forced the Mackay Port Authority to close the southern break wall at the Mackay Marina.

Waves pound the break wall during high winds yesterday.

Communications manager Colin Wilson said the MPA took the responsible position to close the break wall to traffic and pedestrians, after huge waves lifted large rocks onto the roadway on Tuesday.

“At this stage it will remain closed until at least weekend,” he said.

“In the past, the action of the sea and gale force winds have lifted boulders from the seabed and sent them crashing onto the road.

“It’s just too dangerous for motorists and the public. A vehicle could be damaged or a fisherman could be swept off the wall by the wind and huge waves.”

Mr Wilson said the MPA was closely monitoring a deepening low in the Coral Sea and another low pressure system south-east of Mackay.

The Mackay Port Authority is planning a 110 tonne concrete pour next week to secure a new capstan during the final phase of a million dollar upgrade on the main Breast Wharf at Mackay Harbour.

Capstans are used to connect mooring lines and to restrain vessels at the wharf.

Engineer Mal Pringle said the new capstan system would increase safety during the berthing and mooring of large cargo and fuel ships at the harbour.

“It’s an easier system to use and replaces the old timber bollards,” he said.

“The capstan winds in the ship’s lines for connection on its hooks. It also has a quick release mechanism when the vessel is ready to leave the wharf.”

The foundation of the capstan consists of a 10m x 3m x 1.5 m deep concrete pad.

“All up we’ll pour about 110 tonne of concrete into the foundation pad,” Mr Pringle said.

“It will be the final phase of a major upgrade of the number one breast wharf that’s included a new $900 000 fender system.”

The new fender system has now placed the sea port in a better position to handle Panamax cargo vessels.

Developer Greg Long today unveiled a scale model of the $250 million East Point tourism and residential development.

Inspecting the new East Point model and display at Caneland Central are Member for Mackay Tim Mulherin, Cr Greg McNeill, developer Greg Long and Yuibera Tribal Elder Garry Mooney.

The model went on display at Mackay’s Caneland Central this morning.

Mr Long said the scale model would give people a clear understanding of the project.

“It is important people know the facts and aren’t misled by misinformation being generated by some groups,” he said. ”It also gives people an accurate idea of how the surrounding eco-system will be managed.”

The first sod on the 70 ha site is expected to be turned in July.

“It is an exciting project that will eventually generate great benefits for Mackay,” he said.

Mackay Port Authority board members today made an inspection of the new $900 000 upgrade to the main breast wharf at Mackay Harbour.

MPA board members this morning (January 23) inspected the new fender upgrade on the main breast wharf. From left: John Stuart, Robynne Dudley, Don Graham, chairman John Taylor, Laurie Horgan, general manager engineering services Ian Meech, Graham Davies and chief executive officer, Greg Mann.

The new fender system will place the sea port in a better position to handle Panamax cargo vessels.

MPA workers last month replaced the old continuous fender system on the Number One breast wharf with six, individual units weighing about 40 tonne each.

The original fender system, installed in 1978, catered for up to 50 000 dead weight tonne (dwt) ships but the new system will enable the  breast wharf  to eventually handle Panamax vessels or ships of up to 70 000 dwt.

The rubber fender system has been designed to absorb increased energy from berthing ships, such as Panamax vessels without placing a higher load on the wharf structure.

The Mackay Port Authority is presently reviewing plans to deepen the harbour basin to cater for fully laden Panamax vessels. The time frame currently rests with the requirements of the sugar and grain industries.

Mackay Port Authority chairman John Taylor said board members were impressed with the fender upgrade and the high standard of workmanship.

Hamilton Island’s Sunsail fleet has been given a boost with 14 new yachts arriving at Mackay Harbour.

The yachts – including 12 monohull charter vessels and two catamarans -- arrived from Greece on board the Egmondgracht on Wednesday (January 14).

The vessels will be fitted out at Mackay new world-class hardstand at the Mackay Marina before being put into service at Hamilton Island in the coming weeks.

The yachts are valued at more than $10 million and increase the Sunsail fleet to 30.

The arrival of the Egmondgracht, with some of the yachts secured to the deck,   created plenty of interest as sightseers took vantage points along the marina’s southern break wall.

The HMAS Wollongong steamed into Mackay today (January 16) to restock and refuel as the coastal patrol surveillance vessel heads south to attend Australia Day celebrations in Wollongong, New South Wales.

Lieutenant Commander Steve Thompson is at the helm of the HMAS Wollongong.

The Wollongong has just completed a two-month stint in northern Australia and the Solomon Islands.

Lieutenant Commander Steve Thompson – a 30 year Navy veteran -- said his crew was looking forward to a little R and R in Mackay.

“We’ve had a pretty good trip from Darwin, but I hear there’s a southerly buster coming so we are expecting a rough time of it down the coast,” he said.

The Wollongong is a Fremantle Class Ship and as a patrol vessel, keeps watch for illegal fishing activities and immigration breaches in northern waters.

The Mackay City Council is hosting a special reception for the crew at the Mackay Yacht Club.

The Wollongong will continue on its journey south on Monday (January 19).

Lieutenant MPA Operations manager John Kraft (right) presents a plaque to Captain Steve Thompson to mark the visit to Mackay of the HMAS Wollongong.

Mackay Port Authority’s environmental manger Scott Keane is itching to pack his bags for a four week Rotary Study Exchange to the United States.

MPA environmental manager Scott Keane is looking forward to a four week Rotary study tour to the United States.

Mr Keane, 35, will be one of four candidates from the Central Queensland Rotary District to participate in the vocational tour to Philadelphia.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity,” Mr Keane said.” I’m very eager to have a look at the air and sea ports in Philadelphia and the ports of New York and New Jersey.

“My ultimate goal is to be able to use the information and processes I encounter overseas when I return home to Mackay.

“I’m interested in not only environmental aspects, but in the way they run their businesses and their commercial focus – basically what makes them tick.”

Mr Keane will jet out of Mackay in April and will be billeted with host families while in the US.

The popular cartoon characters at Old Mulherin Park have received a festive facelift, after falling foul to vandals during the weekend.

MPA chairman John Taylor gives property foreman Greg Steward a helping hand to clean Fred Flintstone.

Workers – armed with hoses, mops and scrubbing brushes – used plenty of elbow grease to put the ‘yabba-dabba-doo’ back into poor old Fred Flintstone, who bore the brunt of the attack.

Mackay Port Authority chairman John Taylor said paint sprays had been used to vandalise the characters.

“It’s disappointing when you see this sort of thing,” Mr Taylor said. “Fred, Snoopy and the crocodile are icons in the park – so it was fitting to give the characters a fresh coat of paint and a scrub up for Christmas.”

Mr Taylor said Fred was now looking a million dollars.

“Even Wilma would be proud of him,” he said.

A new $900 000 fender system being installed at Mackay Harbour will place the busy sea port in a better position to handle more Panamax vessels.

Workers are replacing the old continuous fender system on the Number One breast wharf with six, individual units, weighing about 40 tonne each.

The original fender system, installed in 1978, catered for up to 50 000 dead weight tonne (dwt) ships, but the new system will enable the  breast wharf  to eventually handle Panamax vessels, or ships of up to 70 000 dwt.

The Mackay Port Authority is presently reviewing plans to deepen the harbour basin to cater for fully laden Panamax vessels. The time frame currently rests with the requirements of the sugar and grain industries.
 
MPA general manager of Engineering Services Ian Meech said the breast wharf mainly catered for fuel ships, but could also handle general cargo and machinery ships.

“The new rubber fender system has been designed to absorb increased energy from berthing ships, such as the big Panamax vessels, but will not place any higher load on the wharf structure itself,” he said.

Mr Meech said the design was completed by consultants and the majority of the steel fabrication and rubber fenders were supplied under contract.

The concrete support frames and the installation of the components were carried out by the MPA workforce.

“The project offered quite a few challenges due to the variance in the tides at Mackay and the restricted space we had to work in, but everything is coming along nicely now,” he said.

Mr Meech said the installation phase of the project is on target to be completed by Friday.