Expressions of interest open for ex-HMAS Tobruk

Sunday, 28 August 2016

Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt has today welcomed news that the State Labor Government has called for expressions of interest from local councils regarding ex-HMAS Tobruk for use as a military dive wreck.

“It’s great to see this project gathering momentum. We have two councils – Fraser Coast Regional Council and Bundaberg Regional Council – which have both committed $1 million in funding and are ready to work together,” he said.

“The Wide Bay Regional Drive Wreck Advisory Group has been working on this project for more than three years, so this region is ready to go if Queensland is successful in securing ex-HMAS Tobruk.”

Mr Pitt said an ex-HMAS Tobruk dive site has the potential to contribute between $1 million and $4 million each year to the local economy.

“This project will create jobs, create new business and bring more tourists to our region, which is the shot in the arm this region needs.

A report by the Centre for Conservation Geography into the economic impact of the scuba dive industry in Australia estimates that dive related spending in Australia is $2.2 billion a year.

“In Queensland dive related spending is potentially as much as $950 million a year, which shows there are real economic benefits from this project if we are successful in the local bid.”

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