Imagine the thrill of diving on a sunken war ship here on the Gold Coast.

The national dive industry is reported to be worth $2.2 Billion in direct dive related spending in Australia (Tourism Research Australia, 2013). The real spend is estimated to be far in excess of this figure when inclusive of spending on accommodation, food, beverage, transport, souvenirs and additional days of stay to enjoy more diving.

It is conservatively estimated an ex-Navy Wreck sunk off the Gold Coast could generate new visitations from more than 7000 divers, friends and families and generate $12 million in annual revenue to the Gold Coast economy (2009 and 2012 independent studies). This figure does not include additional spending in existing industries such as accommodation, food, beverage, transport, tourist attractions and other local industries.

 Key outcomes from past studies into community interest in creating a diving attraction included, but were not limited to:                                                                 

1.  SCUBA diving is already a major financial contributor to the Gold Coast's tourism economy

2.  The Gold Coast has an avid diving community in both the recreational and commercial sectors

3.  A purpose sunk dive attraction would add a further dimension to visiting the Gold Coast and increase visitations and length of stay in  both domestic and international markets

The public has been consulted in a Gold Coast Bulletin online survey in which over 55% of respondents advised they supported the sinking of a war ship as their preferred diving attraction.  Further surveys were conducted across a broad audience which reported 80% interviewed confirmed:  “they would take up diving or dive more frequently if a wreck (dive attraction) was accessible on the Gold Coast”

Gold Coast is the perfect location and opportunity.  Studies of historical weather and temperature patterns, and the safety of the Gold Coast Seaway bar crossing, show the Gold Coast offers more accessible dive days per year, in a most convenient and accessible location. Its close proximity to shore also makes it a preferred dive attraction with minimal boat travel time to access the dive site. Dock to dive time would be under 20 minutes – very attractive those who are prone to seasickness.

 The Gold Coast has the necessary infrastructure in place and is ready to promote and service this new attraction. Unlike the other areas in contention for the ship (Hervey Bay and Bundaberg), the Gold Coast has nine (full time / full service)  dive businesses in place, ready to promote and service the needs of a new attraction.  In comparison, Hervey Bay and Bundaberg, have minimal existing full time / full service dive providers. Gold Coast dive operators have been operating for many years, without local, state or federal government support.

 It is also important to note that whilst the Gold Coast has no existing artificial dive attraction, Bundaberg already has The Cochrane Artificial Reef and Hervey Bay has the Roy Rufus Artificial Reef. Both are excellent marine environments but fail to attract travelling divers, as they are neither promoted nor patronised by local businesses or governments.

 The Gold Coast has a vibrant and active diving community who will promote and visit the new dive attraction all year round.  Unlike other areas, the Gold Coast has received scant government investment in its local diving industry (other than a set of stairs at the Seaway), despite the fact it has one of the most vibrant and active diving communities in Australia.

The HMAS Tobruk will be next of six well-established military dive sites around Australia:  the Ex-HMAS Brisbane at Mooloolaba (QLD), Ex-HMAS Swan at Dunsborough (WA), Ex- HMAS Perth at Albany (WA), Ex-HMAS Hobart at The Fleurieu Peninsula (SA), Ex-HMAS Canberra at Ocean Grove (VIC) and the Ex-HMAS Adelaide at Terrigal (NSW). This underwater flotilla comprises the Sunken Navy Fleet dive trail which will attract divers from around the world who seek the thrill of exploring a sunken war ship. It would also increase the Royal Australian Navy’s historical Legacy by educating local and international divers about the Tobruk’s years of service to the largest audience possible, including future generations.  

The Gold Coast is ideally situated to attract divers from around the world. Only when it has a world class diving attraction will inbound tourists be motivated to pack their dive gear for their next Gold Coast trip, and stay a few days longer to enjoy some world class diving. It’s up for grabs. Positioning it within one hour of international airports and cruise ship terminals will offer visitors to the Gold Coast easier access to Scuba diving and an unparalleled variety of tourist activities and attractions. Sink it – and they will come.

Please sign this petition and share with your diving, snorkeling, water sports friends and local businesses who will all benefit from the added visitation and revenues this innovative and exciting attraction will generate. This is your chance to have your say in the future of scuba diving  on the Gold Coast.