Council reveals latest dive site design for the Gold Coast
THE latest design for a world-class dive site has been revealed, with a leading diving figure saying the idea has great potential — if done right. What do you think of it? TAKE OUR POLL
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A NEW dome-shaped dive site proposed by Gold Coast City Council 2.5km off the Spit has great potential, according to a prominent diving figure.
The latest concept for the dive site includes a large dome with ‘honeycomb’ openings, pipes and hiding places for marine life to live in.
A City spokesman said the dive site would sit just behind the Scottish Prince wreck and at a depth of 32m.
The dome, or even the previously proposed pyramid, would be 24m — or eight storeys — high, allowing divers of all abilities to explore different parts of the precinct.
After losing the HMAS Toobruk and then HMAS Darwin to other cities, Mayor Tom Tate said he was eager to finalise the paperwork and make a submission to the State Infrastructure Tourism Levy Fund for a 50-50 share of costs.
Out of $36 million available to councils across Queensland, Council would request $2.5m and match it to create the unique dive site.
TATE: WHY WE NEED A DIVE SITE ON THE GOLD COAST
“My wish is to see our local manufacturing industry benefit in the actual build of the structure,” he said.
“It would be a historic day to see a structure like this being lowered on to our dive site location 2.5km off The Spit.
“Ideally we’d be celebrating a structure designed locally, built locally and transported locally. “Let’s make it happen.”
Leading diving authority Ian Banks of Diving the Gold Coast said the dome had great potential if done correctly.
“It has great potential,” he said.
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“But there are serious conditions that need to be taken into account.”
Mr Banks said the lower part of the dive site could face turbidity issues, where silt could reduce visibility.
However, he said with the right treatment and a diverse range of marine life once installed, the dive site would bring in divers from all over the world.
Mayor Tate said the final tender would “no doubt” attract exceptional design ideas.
The dive site will also have a number of different ‘precincts,’ possibly including an underwater garden and cemetery.
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