Mackay Port Authority Edmund Casey Drive officially opened Article first published on
Wednesday, 29 October 2003 @ 9:45:11 AM
The Mackay Port Authority has recognised the valuable contribution Ed Casey has made to the Mackay community by naming a road in his honour. Edmund Casey Drive was officially dedicated at a special ceremony on October 17.
Mackay Port Authority chairman John Taylor and Member for Mackay Tim Mulherin congratulates Ed Casey (centre) after the unveiling of Ed Casey Drive at the northern port precinct.
A number of guest speakers, including Member for Mackay, Tim Mulherin and MPA chairman John Taylor paid tribute to Mr Casey’s contribution to Queensland and the local community in a political and public career spanning more than 40 years.
Ill health forced Mr Casey into retirement. He retired as the “Father of the House” -- Queensland’s longest serving MP at the time. He held the important Primary Industries portfolio in the Goss Government between December, 1989 and his retirement on July 15, 1995.
Mr Casey came out of retirement in 2000 and took the helm of the Mackay Port Authority. He held the position of chairman until mid-2002.
Mr Casey has always had strong ties with the MPA. As Deputy Mayor of Mackay City Council (1967-70), he was the council’s representative on the MPA board.
Current MPA chairman John Taylor said Mr Casey’s vision and enthusiasm had enabled the authority’s sea and air ports to expand and prosper.
“The decision to name the northern port access road after Ed (Casey) is just our way of saying thank you,” Mr Taylor said.
“This region is indebted to Ed Casey. He was a tireless worker as Member for Mackay – a seat he won in May, 1969 and held until his retirement.”
