State and Federal Tourism Ministers united behind Gold Coast’s dive site bid
THE multimillion-dollar push to sink a warship off the Gold Coast has gained two powerful backers as tourism leaders reveal what a dive wreck will mean for our economy
Gold Coast
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MOMENTUM is growing behind the push to sink a retired warship off the Gold Coast with political leaders from all levels of government throwing their weight behind the bid.
A City-hall led bid to create the Glitter Strip’s next big tourist attraction off The Spit has set its sights on the former HMAS Darwin in a move which could annually bring more than $9 million into the economy.
And lobbying has already reached the highest levels of government.
Gold Coast-based tourism Minister Steven Ciobo said he had spoken with the Defence Minister, Senator Marise Payne to express the city’s enthusiasm for securing the vessel.
“Of course it would be a terrific addition for the Gold Coast and I was disappointed the State Government did not nominate the Gold Coast first when the HMAS Tobruk was available,” he said.
“I have already expressed interest on behalf of the Gold Coast to the Defence Minister but there is a process which needs to be worked through and the Coast’s bid will stand alongside others.
“I am happy to work with all other levels of Government to give us the best chance of getting the Darwin.”
COAST MISSES OUT ON HMAS TOBRUK
The push for the Darwin is being led by Mayor Tom Tate and it is understood the council is prepared to commit more than $1 million to the project from contingency funding in its budget.
Queensland Minister for Tourism Kate Jones late yesterday confirmed has already started discussions with Cr Tate about the dive wreck proposal.
“Yes, we will consider supporting it as delivers the Gold Coast with another new experience and builds Queensland’s dive options.
“I have already had a meeting with the Mayor about this,” she said.
TOBRUK GIVES COAST THAT SINKING FEELING
“Obviously the critical partner is the Australian Government as the owner of the ship. The latest advice we have is that it will be very expensive and Federal Government support will be critical to make it happen.”
Council modelling suggests it would immediately add $5.4 million in direct and indirect economic benefits to the city.
The modelling, completed in 2016, suggested it would immediately create 73 full time-equivalent jobs, with the flow-on to bring in another 81 positions and a further $6.1 million within three years.
Gold Coast Tourism chairman Paul Donovan said he totally supported Mayor Tate’s dive wreck push.
“We have to do everything possible to move to get additional attractions on the Gold Coast.
“I have been going on about the Gold Coast needing a dive wreck for the past 12 months.
“I’m 100 per cent behind it and will try to meet Tom Tate to offer to do everything we can to help get it. We lost the Tobruk so we need to get this one.”
“Given the importance of the Gold Coast to tourism business in Australia, I’m sure our Federal Tourism Minister Steve Ciobo will support us on this.
“We will need Federal Government support to get the ship and to sink the ship. I’m sure he will go into bat for us.”
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