Latest Mackay Seaport News

Port exercise centres on bomb threat

Originally published on 23 March 2006

Port safety officer Peter McPhee takes a call from the would-be bomber.The tug crew of the Challenger used a flame retardant in the exercise.Port security officer Bernie Hayes (rear) discusses the bomb threat with police officers.

Emergency services and port workers joined forces to counter a terror attack at Mackay Harbour this morning.

The training exercise involved a 'state of emergency' being declared, after a 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 in the wake of strict new anti-terrorism laws covering Australian seaports.

Mackay Port Authority operations manager John Kraft said the training exercise involved more than 20 emergencies services personnel, including Mackay police and MPA employees.

The scenario involved the discovery -- and eventual detonation - of a bomb, beneath the main breast wharf.

The explosion destroyed the wharf structure and amenities building - sparking a fierce fire. The fire was controlled by a tug crew using a foam smothering agent.

Mr Kraft said the exercise highlighted a few areas of concern.

The exercise identified a few minor concerns with the evacuation of nearby buildings but basically everything went smoothly, he said.