Latest Mackay Seaport News

Jeff Harris to take the helm at the MPA

The Mackay Port Authority has announced the appointment of Mr Jeff Harris as the authority’s new Chief Executive Officer.
 
Mr Harris will take over the helm of the MPA as the authority adopts a stronger commercial focus to take advantage of new and exciting economic opportunities in the region.

He replaces long-serving CEO and engineer Greg Mann who retired late last year. Mr Mann was instrumental in guiding the MPA through a building phase of project management and infrastructure.

Mr Harris was a former CEO with Mackay City Council and returns to Mackay after four years with Maroochy Shire Council where he served as deputy Chief Executive Officer and general manager of governance.

MPA chairman Graham Davies said Mr Harris would bring a wealth of experience to the authority.

"Jeff has extensive experience in business and management and has played a major role in the expansion of the council-controlled Sunshine Coast Airport,” he said.

Mr Davies said the Mackay Port Authority was now strategically positioned to take advantage of a wide range of commercial opportunities at its booming airport and seaport.

Cargo throughput at the seaport is continuing to grow – topping 2.3 million tonnes while airport passenger numbers jumped 14 per cent to 656 326 last financial year.

Mr Davies said the MPA had recently injected more than $5.5 million into improving car parking and terminal facilities at the airport.

"It is important facilities keep pace with the strong growth being experienced right across all areas of our business," he said. "We have a number of new projects in the pipeline and hopefully I will be in a position to release more details very soon. These projects will not only help Mackay prosper as a region with substantial investment but will also provide additional employment opportunities."

Mr Davies said Mr Harris would take up his new position with the MPA late next month.