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.