Press Releases
27th November 2002
On Wednesday 27th November, the Central Coast Artificial Reef Project (CCARP) held a public meeting at Ourimbah University campus, to present their project details to any interested parties and the general public.
There were 120 people in attendance, including representatives from the Central Coast Tourism Inc., Federal Parliament, State Government, Central Coast Naval Association and other interested groups, many of whom had nothing to do with diving.
Ccarps’ objectives are;
- To gain full support of the NSW Government to acquire the ex HMAS Brisbane from the commonwealth
- Identify the modifications to make the ship safe for divers and environmentally sound
- Undertake seabed surveys to determine a suitable site off the Central Coast
After sharing the financial benefits that have been enjoyed in Western Australia following the sinking of the ex HMAS Swan 5 years ago, the attendees were told that the projected ‘conservative’ estimates of this project should it come to fruition, is in excess of $11.7 million, with flow-on benefits of more local jobs and an increased patronage of established tourist attractions on the Central Coast and attracting the as yet untapped market of international divers to the Central Coast.
Scientific benefits would be abundant with long-term study opportunities of marine life and an unparalleled educational resource for the local university and high schools. Dr William Gladstone from the Marine Science faculty of Ourimbah University spoke of the value that this project would be to his students.
The Ccarp committee has worked tirelessly over the past two years to achieve its ultimate goal of sinking the Brisbane as an artificial reef off the Central Coast. They have put together Codes of Practice, Code of Conduct and a Plan of Management, along with underwater surveys to identify a suitable site. The best site found, lies 2 kms off Avoca Beach and is far enough away from the shore to prevent any adverse effects on the beach or waves.
Videos of artificial reefs around the world were shown during the presentation, to illustrate the positive impact that they have on not only the environment, but also the local communities.
At the end of the presentation, question time was held. There were no questions of an adverse, or controversial nature asked, with all attendees being EXTREMELY positive about the whole project. One member of the audience was an ex naval person who had served on the HMAS Brisbane for many years and travelled around the world twice whilst serving on her. He made a statement to the audience that he would desperately like to see the Brisbane as an artificial reef rather than see her sold for scrap. He made an impassioned plea to the members of Ccarp to ensure that they stop at nothing to get the vessel for the Central Coast.
One member of the audience suggested that Ccarp hold another public meeting to generate more interest and support for the project, as many people were not aware that the meeting was on.
Ken Ticehurst MP, Member for Dobel, addresses the gathering after question time, to confirm his support. He spoke of not only the tourism and economic benefits to the Central Coast, but also the educational benefits that this project would bring. He also urged everyone to get behind and support CCARP and said that he would be speaking to various Federal Senators as well as the Minister for Defence in the next two weeks whilst he is in Canberra.
What CCARP need now is public support from the Central Coast community to ensure that both the Federal Government and the State Government know that we want the Brisbane to be sunk off the Central Coast for an artificial reef.
Sue Dengate
Secretary
Central Coast Artificial Reef Project
0417 028286
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