Mackay Port Authority Training exercise hailed a success Article first published on Wednesday, 8 December 2004 @ 1:26:27 PM

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.