Gordons Bay Scuba Diving Club’s bid for artificial reef off Coogee
A multimillion-dollar plan to scuttle a navy ship off Coogee, creating an artificial reef to be explored by scuba divers and researchers, has had mixed reviews by Randwick councillors.
Southern Courier
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A scuba diving club’s multimillion-dollar bid to scuttle an ex-navy ship to create an artificial reef 4km from Coogee has been met with mixed reviews by an eastern suburbs council.
A motion was initially passed at Randwick Council’s recent meeting to support Gordons Bay Scuba Diving Club (GBSDC) efforts for an artificial reef, by writing a letter to the NSW Government to support the club’s bid for state government funding.
GBSDC says the artificial reef would generate more recreational options for the community, increase marine biodiversity, boost opportunities for marine research and boost the area’s tourism economy.
The reef would be accessed by free divers and advanced scuba divers, expected to pay a fee, travelling by boat from Rose Bay or Botany Bay. There would be a fishing ban over the wreck, but artificial fishing reefs linked to the wreck are planned for recreational and commercial fishers.
A petition of more than 13,500 signatures, including about 4000 from the Randwick area, has shown their support for the plans.
Club founder and marine scientist John Rowe told this publication the estimated cost, between $6m and $10m, was required to fund an environmental impact statement and the purchase of a ship which would be stripped and cleaned before being sunk.
The club has been told several navy ships would potentially be available in coming years, with an expectation a ship will be gifted by the federal government. The club’s business plan has also been supported by a number of Sydney university science faculties.
Resident Rona Wade spoke against the artificial reef plans at the council meeting and told councillors there would be no financial benefit for the already “bustling and vibrant” Coogee community.
GBSDC member Matthew Kempton told councillors dive wrecks across the country had “successfully generated ongoing income” and had positive environmental impacts, through attracting marine life.
The motion will return to council on April 18.
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