Gold Coast tourism: Warship proposed for dive attraction north of Surfers Paradise

THE sinking of a decommissioned navy warship off the Gold Coast is back on the agenda, with the Federal Government offering it to the Glitter Strip. But there’s just one thing holding it back from being a reality.

THE Gold Coast has been formally offered a decommissioned Royal Australian Navy frigate to create a dive site off The Spit.

But the nation’s tourism capital could miss out on the $10 million-a-year injection into the economy because the State Government won’t say if it wants it or not.

HMAS Darwin. Picture Glenn Campbell

MAYOR STEPS IN OVER DIVE SITE DISPUTE

The Department of Defence says it has offered the Queensland Government the HMAS Darwin after the Tasmanian Government decided not to push ahead with its own dive site, baulking at the $12.5 million fee.

Assistant Treasurer Stuart Robert said the frigate was destined for the Gold Coast without another bid process — as long as the council and state pay for it.

Mayor Tom Tate, a long-time supporter of a dive site, said the frigate would be a boon to the city’s tourism sector.

DIVE SITE GAINS POWERFUL BACKERS

The Darwin was retired last year Pic Jenny Evans

WHY THE GOLD COAST NEEDS A DIVE SITE

However, State Tourism Minister Kate Jones was non-committal, instead launching an attack on Mr Robert without directly mentioning the former navy vessel.

“Stuart Robert is telling everyone around town that he’s now one of the most influential Ministers in the Morrison Government,” she said.

“He should put his money where his mouth is and deliver a real commitment from the Morrison Government.”

DIVE SITE SHOULD BE A REALITY

Queensland Tourism Minister Kate Jones (AAP Image/Dan Peled)

A furious Mr Robert hit back at Ms Jones’ “staggering” response, saying he had delivered the ship and it was up the State Government to make it a reality.

“Defence Minister (Darren) Chester has formerly offered it to Queensland. My job was to get you the boat, I’ve got it,” he said.

“Not only did they not bid for it when they had the chance, now they have got the boat without a bid process.

“I’ve got you the boat Tourism Minister, so what are you going to do?”

Stuart Robert. Picture Gary Ramage

The Gold Coast City Council late last year launched a campaign to secure the Darwin after it was decommissioned.

Despite support from business leaders, it was revealed the State Government had rejected the frigate, saying it would cost $30 million to sink.

In the fallout of the decision, the council began designing its own new cut-price dive attraction, a dome-like structure.

This work will continue while the Darwin’s future is discussed.

“I will be working hand-in-glove with the Feds, and State, to again see if we can secure the HMAS Darwin as this will provide a naval dive site highway along the east coast, along with HMAS Brisbane off the Sunshine Coast and HMAS Tobruk in Hervey Bay region,” Cr Tate said.

Mayor Tom Tate. Picture Adam Head

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“Having this naval dive site highway is a similar business model to when major fast-food chains are grouped together – it’s all about critical mass.

“In the meantime, we’ll continue planning for a dive precinct as we have waited 30 years for a ship.’’

Mr Donovan said a dive wreck would be another asset for the city.

“I know the State is keen to support this and the fact it has come back on the market is fantastic, especially if Tom can negotiate this one,” he said.

“I fully support anything we can do to move this forward.”

Artist impression of a proposed dome dive site on the Gold Coast.

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The dome proposal includes plans for “honeycomb” openings, pipes and hiding places for marine life to live in.

The Mayor also suggested reviving a 2013-era plan to create a pyramid on the sea floor.

The dome would be 24m — or eight storeys — high, allowing divers of all abilities to explore different parts of the precinct.