Latest Mackay Seaport News

Greg Mann leaves the MPA in great shape

Originally published on 29th September 2006

Long-serving Mackay Port Authority chief executive Greg Mann sees himself as a builder.

And while bricks and mortar aren’t the tools of his trade, he’s been instrumental in laying the foundations that are now supporting Mackay’s booming air and sea ports.
Inspecting the new security lounge redevelopment at Mackay Airport are airport general manager Trevor Heard, MPA chairman Graham Davies, chief executive officer Greg Mann and MPA deputy chair Robynne Dudley.
“It’s been a great ride over the past 14 years but now it’s time to make way for someone with a different set of skills to lead the organisation in a new direction,” Mr Mann said.

“I’m an engineer – my skill sets revolve around project management and infrastructure development and I’m proud to say that we now have passed that significant phase at the seaport and we currently have a clear path forward for developments at the airport.

“I guess in some ways I’ve done myself out of a job but everyone has a time in their life when they need to look for new challenges. I’ll be doing just that -- looking for new challenges that better fit my skill set.”

Mr Mann played a major role in overseeing a number of exciting projects including the development of Mackay’s world-class marina, negotiating a path for the port access corridor linking the Bruce Highway and the harbour and the growth of Mackay Airport through low-cost carriers.

Mr Mann said he was proud of his achievements and leaves the MPA navigating new waters in terms of record profits, passenger numbers and cargo throughputs.

Mackay Port Authority chairman Graham Davies paid tribute to Mr Mann’s commitment and outstanding service.

“Greg has overseen some significant growth and development at the seaport and airport,” Mr Davies said. “It has been an important time in the economic development of the region.

“The very impressive marina development stands as a tribute to Greg’s hard work with former chairman Ron Searle.

“From a personal point of view – the raw sugar facility and the white sugar storage, packing and loading facilities that have been established at the seaport are examples of the economic development for the Mackay region that have been accomplished under Greg’s stewardship.

“At the same time, the growth and development at the airport with record passenger numbers, has seen significant physical changes at the airport, including the departure lounge and the car park.”

Mr Davies said the MPA was embarking on a national recruitment drive in order to position the organisation to take advantage of new and exciting economic opportunities in the region.