Latest Mackay Seaport News

Business Development Managers appointed

Originally published on 23 November 2005

Seaport general manager Scott Keane (centre) with newly appointed business development managers Gary Riches (airport) and Greg Hinton (seaport).

Two new faces have joined the crew at the Mackay Port Authority.

The MPA has appointed business development managers Gary Riches and Greg Hinton. Both men have made the move north from the Port of Brisbane.

Seaport general manager Scott Keane said the role of the business development managers was to expand and develop opportunities for the sea and air ports.

Whilst we have taken advantage of opportunities that we have known about and that have been brought to us in recent times what these guys will actually do is go out and identify and develop more opportunities and also work closely with our customers at the airport and seaport, he said.

Mr Riches has extensive experience in business development and finance spanning more than 35 years.

For me coming to Mackay is all about a challenge of a completely new environment - and what better place for a sea change than Mackay, he said.

Mr Riches said the MPA was examining a number of potential opportunities at the airport which could include a motel development and additional commercial areas.

Mr Hinton has more than 20 years’ experience in ports, shipping, transport and logistic industries.

Initially I’ll be focusing on the land opportunities at the harbour and will also be examining the potential for increasing cargoes through the seaport, he said.

I decided to move north because Mackay is such a nice area with tremendous growth opportunities. It will give me an opportunity to balance work and family life.

Both men are keen on sport and outdoor activities. Mr Riches is a level 2 rugby league coach while Mr Hinton has refereed rugby union internationally for the past decade.

Mackay Port Authority chairman Graham Davies said the MPA was looking forward to another exciting year with the appointment of Mr Hinton and Mr Riches.

Last financial year the MPA achieved an after tax profit of $1.19 million. Operating revenue increased 29 per cent to $13.72 million. Seaport trade increased 18 per cent to 2.27 million tonnes, sugar exports were up 22.7 per cent to 1.164 million tonnes and petroleum imports rose 17 per cent to 649 000 tonnes.

Passenger throughput at the MPA’s award winning airport jumped 32 per cent to 580 000 and airport revenue rose 37 per cent to $7.82 million.