Latest Mackay Seaport News

Convictions recorded against port trespassers

Originally published on 16 February 2005

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.