The Mackay Port Authority has joined forces with the Salvation Army to bring a little bit of Christmas cheer to battling families in Mackay.

The MPA has elected not to send Christmas cards but instead has made a $500 donation to the Salvation Army.

Community care ministeries secretary Ruth Saroglia (left) and Corps officer Major Marie Gittins share a 'cuppa' to celebrate the festive seaon with Mackay Port Authority chairman John Taylor.

 The money will help the Salvos buy Christmas hampers and provide needy people with special food vouchers.

The Salvos expect to distribute more than 200 vouchers over Christmas. Mackay Port Authority chairman John Taylor is encouraging more local businesses to follow the MPA lead.

“The Salvation Army does a great job in the community all year round – but during Christmas their resources are usually stretched,” he said. “This money will be put to good use and I again hope it substitutes as a Merry Christmas ‘wish’ to all our customers and supporters.”

Corps officer Major Marie Gittins said it was fantastic to receive donations from companies such as the Mackay Port Authority. “Every little bit helps and it does make a difference to what we can do in the community,” Major Gittins said.

Last year the MPA made a donation to the St Vincent de Paul Society in lieu of sending out Christmas cards.

Mr Taylor said a different charity would benefit next year.

Live coral trout could soon be airlifted through Mackay Airport bound for dinner tables and restaurants in Asia.

The Mackay Port Authority (MPA) is exploring opportunities that could flow from a new commercial fishing precinct being established at the Mackay Marina.

Mackay Port Authority chairman John Taylor, Member for Dawson and Minister for Veterans' Affairs De-Anne Kelly, Mackay Area Consultative Committee .... executive officer Greg Sutherland and Port Binnli executive manager of property Jeff Smith inspect plans for the new fish handling facility at Mackay Marina.

Member for Dawson De-Anne Kelly this morning announced details of a $544 000 grant, secured under the Federal Government’s Regional Partnership Program that will allow Port Binnli to proceed with the first stage of a multi-million dollar fish handling facility.

Stage one involves the reclamation and rock fill of 8000 square metres of land, south of the molasses terminal at Mackay Harbour.

The MPA will source about 36 000 cubic metres of rock from its Mount Bassett quarry. The land will eventually become strategic port land. The work is expected to take about six months to complete.

MPA chairman John Taylor is hopeful value adding opportunities will emerge using Mackay Airport for the shipment of live fish and possibly prawns to rich Asian markets.

“I understand Port Binnli is currently conducting a feasibility study that is examining market options,” he said.

Mr Taylor said exporters were receiving between $60 and $100 a kilogram for live coral trout.

Potentially the industry could be worth at least $60 million in the Mackay-Bowen region alone.

Mr Taylor said the MPA had been working for some time with Port Binnli to develop the new commercial fishing precinct.

He said the project had the backing of the local industry.

Children from Nebo State School recently enjoyed a visit to Mackay Harbour. Teacher Melanie Benjamin (right) said the children had a great time and were now busy writing about their adventure.

The Mackay Port Authority conducts regular tours of the commercial harbour precinct. More information is available through MPA communications manager Colin Wilson on 0417 570258.