Press Releases
4th May 2004
Local MP is reported to go against his own government in a rally to get a derelict ship
Rally to be held at The Skillion Reserve in Terrigal on the Central Coast of NSW
At 7.30am, Thursday 20th May 2004
Afterwards, a small group (and reportedly the MP) will move to Garden Island Dockyard for the symbolic gesture of reclaiming the ex HMAS Brisbane for the state of NSW and to present a petition from local residents, to the Minister for Defence.
The Central Coast Artificial Reef Project (CCARP) is a group of people who have worked tirelessly for over three years to achieve one objective - to secure an ex Australian Naval ship and sink her as an artificial reef off the Central Coast of NSW. The benefits of this project are wide and varied. It is estimated that this project will bring approximately $17.5 million dollars to the Central Coast of NSW in tourism and associated industries, by positively impacting many tourist attractions, the hospitality and service industries, the Scuba Diving industry and Education, particularly the Marine Biology Facility at Ourimbah University, as well as providing an estimated growth in job numbers by 136 jobs supported by tourism and 205 indirect jobs.
CCARP originally sought to acquire the HMAS Brisbane when she was decommissioned in October 2001. They had the full support of the NSW Government including financial responsibility. However, at the last minute the vessel was gifted to Queensland. Premier Beattie has until this day, refused to accept financial responsibility even though the Federal Government offered to pay the $3 million bill to clean, strip and sink her. The Brisbane has had to endure 3 years in an undignified, rusting state. Hardly what we Australians would want for a ship that has served in several overseas conflicts.
CCARP has continued to request that the Federal Government rescind its decision and gift the Brisbane to NSW, but to no avail.
Although CCARPhas begun the process of applying for the next two ships that are due to be decommissioned in approximately 18 months, in the interim they have decided to have a ‘last ditch’ attempt at acquiring the ex HMAS Brisbane to rescue her from further months, or years of neglect, floating in Sydney Harbour, rusting away and bringing disrespect to those who served on her.
After the rally in Terrigal, a group from CCARP, along with a Federal MP, will travel down to the Garden Island Dockyard where the Brisbane rusts, to present a petition to Senator Robert Hill, Minister for Defence, to demonstrate the local support that they have for their project.
It is hoped that the media will take up the ideal opportunity via TV broadcasts, to showcase other tourist attractions on the Central Coast that will go hand-in-hand with this project should it come to fruition. Central Coast Tourism is available to give any assistance in this regard and can be contacted via e-mail on - thecoast@bigpond.com
Sue Dengate
Secretary
Mobile: 0417 028286
Central Coast Artificial Reef Project
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