Detractors label new Gold Coast dive site a ‘purpose-built whale entanglement kill zone’

Detractors have labelled the Gold Coast’s new dive site attraction a “purpose-built whale entanglement kill zone” and “whale trap”, prompting a colourful spray from Mayor Tom Tate

DETRACTORS have labelled the Gold Coast’s new dive site attraction a “purpose-built whale entanglement kill zone” and “whale trap”, prompting a colourful spray from Mayor Tom Tate.

Several images of unknown origin have been spreading on Facebook criticising the newly named $5 million Wonder Reef based off The Spit.

One of the images criticising the dive site which has been doing the rounds on Facebook.

Critics claim the reef presents “real diver danger” and speaks of the “potential danger of the multiple surface floats and mooring lines”.

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Final work on Gold Coast tourist dive site attraction Wonder Reef.

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Cr Tate was quick to ridicule the notions in defence of Wonder Reef, which is due to open to the public early next year.

“I’d suggest the whales have more intelligence than the people asking such ridiculous suggestions,” he said.

Branding for the new Gold Coast dive site.

“Of course a whale is not going to become trapped in this structure. You only have to take one look at the site to realise that.

“We have liaised with every relevant authority throughout the design and construction process.”

Cr Tate urged critics “asking such inane questions to find themselves a hobby”.

“Perhaps diving,” he said.

A Gold Coast City Council spokesman was also quick to respond to the claims.

Another image being shared on social media.

“The City has undertaken extensive consultation on the design of Wonder Reef to satisfy relevant state and Australian government approvals, which included consultation with the local dive industry and marine researchers specifically regarding whales,” they said.

“The dive attraction has been rigorously assessed under the Australian government’s Environment Protection (Sea Dumping) Act 1981 and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.”

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Final work on Gold Coast tourist dive site attraction Wonder Reef.

Coast marine biologist and founder of conservation group Humpbacks and High-Rises, Dr Olaf Meynecke said he had been watching construction of the dive site and believes it posed a “low risk of entanglements”.

Dr Meynecke did “have concerns with increased boat traffic”, but said that could be managed with speed limits during whale season.

Gold Coast MP and Environment and Great Barrier Reef Minister Meaghan Scanlon previously said the project was expected to draw more than 16,000 divers to the city each year, pumping an extra $2 million into the visitor economy.