Push for city to bid for ex-HMAS Tobruk as dive site
Date published: 31 August 2016
Deputy Mayor Cr Les Walker is keen to see Townsville work in partnership with other local authorities, regional tourism stakeholders, government agencies and researchers to secure the ex-HMAS Tobruk as a world-class dive site off the city’s coast.
Townsville City Council is working with Townsville Enterprise to investigate lodging a submission for the decommissioned ship with the Queensland Government.
Palm Island Council has also expressed its interest in working together on the project.
Cr Walker said the wreck had the potential to boost the city’s tourism profile, and the council and TEL were investigating the option with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.
“I think it would be great idea for Townsville. We already have the Yongala wreck, which is a world class dive site, and having the Tobruk here would provide another valuable attraction for tourism,” Cr Walker said.
“Obviously, being surrounded by the Great Barrier Marine Park, we need to ensure that it can be done with GBRMPA, what the potential costs would be, and that any bid has the support of stakeholders.
“Townsville is an ideal location. We have a warm, unspoilt waters and a range of potential areas that could be suitable.”
Queensland Tourism Minister Kate Jones announced yesterday that she would be writing to coastal councils in the State inviting expressions of interest for the ex-HMAS Tobruk.
The government has made a proposal to the Department of Defence to acquire the ex-HMAS Tobruk to establish an artificial reef and dive wreck to boost the State’s tourism.
