Press Releases
11th May 2006
CCARP WELCOMES NSW FUNDING ANNOUNCEMENT FOR HMAS CANBERRA
The Central Coast Artificial Reef Project (CCARP) today welcomed the State Government’s announcement of $250,000 funding for the HMAS Canberra artificial reef project.
Spokesperson for CCARP, Sue Dengate said. "We were delighted to hear that Grant McBride had made the announcement in State Parliament of $250,000 towards the acquisition of HMAS Canberra”
"Even more important than the state government funding was the announcement in State Parliament that if NSW's bid is successful, the ship would be sunk off Terrigal on the Central Coast"
“It was never a certainty that the vessel would come to the Central Coast and other regions in NSW have recently lobbied hard and expressed interest in this ship"
“We started lobbying back in 2000 for the HMAS Brisbane, but the Federal Government gifted this ship to Queensland and that was very disappointing. It would be devastating if the Defense Minister deprives us of the HMAS Canberra. This has been a long and passionate campaign for CCARP"
“We have always had two battles on our hands. The first is to acquire a ship for NSW, the second is to get it sunk off the Central Coast (rather than other NSW locations)”.
“Grant McBride’s announcement means that half our battles are over”
“It’s a huge relief to hear that the Central Coast has been selected as the only option for NSW, it means all the hard work and lobbying done by CCARP has paid off"
“We understand that NSW has the most solid bid for the ship as no other state is offering funding"
“Grant McBride has continued to help our group in lobbying the State Government and we are very appreciative of his efforts to date. Our Federal Members, Jim Lloyd and Ken Ticehurst have also supported us throughout our campaign and now need to seal this deal for the Central Coast in Canberra”.
For further information or to arrange an interview, please call Sue Dengate on: Ph. 0417 028286
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