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Mackay Port Authority's new look board

Originally published on 25 July 2005

MPAchairman Graham Davies with newly appointed directors (from left) Mark Williamson, John Raby and Steve Golding.

Head of the Mackay Port Authority Graham Davies today chaired his first meeting of the authority's new-look board. Mr Davies has taken over at the helm of the port following the retirement of Chairman John Taylor. Mr Taylor, a local solicitor, served on the board for 15 years - the past three as chairman.

Mr Davies was joined around the board table today by two new directors John Raby and Steve Golding. Mr Raby recently retired as the Head of Flight Operations with Virgin Blue. Mr Golding retired as the Director-General of the Department of Main Roads earlier this year. Both these men have extensive experience in their chosen fields and will provide the board with additional depth and knowledge, Mr Davies said. Mr Davies is no stranger to the MPA.

He was appointed as a director in 1999. Mr Davies currently chairs the Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority and is a former chairman of Mackay Sugar. We are facing some exciting times at the seaport and the airport, linked to outstanding growth and development in the Bowen Basin's booming coal industry, he said. The MPA has a number of projects on the drawing board that will help boost the local economy and create more jobs.

Mr Davies said the board was investigating additional commercial opportunities at the city's award-winning airport. He said a record 580 000 passengers passed through the Mackay airport terminal last financial year. Over the past four years, the MPA has contributed more than $2.5 million in rebates and marketing assistance to encourage the major airlines to jet into Mackay. This support has helped fuel the budget priced air fares we are currently enjoying today, Mr Davies said.