“The developer performed above the basic requirements,” according to Phil Jeston during his presentation on the Port of Airlie Construction.

Last Friday night Mackay members and guests of the Environmental Institute of Australia and New Zealand gathered together to discuss key issues in the Mackay region.

Phil Jeston, Environmental Scientist with GHD, took attendees through a pictorial step by step of the development carried out by Meridien Developments.

He highlighted various environmental challenges pertinent to the marina’s construction ranging from offsite impacts on the reef through to community issues.

The final message was all about communication both as a consultant and with members of the public. “Most of the time people are happy when they are kept informed and know what’s going on, “ Phil said.

The evening was attended by local councillors as well as environmental professionals from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and other local consultant groups.