Press Releases
Tuesday 26th May ‘09
GOVERNMENT CONSIDERS SINKING THE ADELAIDE OUT TO SEA
The Central Coast Artificial Reef Project (CCARP) has heard rumours that there is no funding for the Ex HMAS
Adelaide to be sunk off Terrigal on the Central Coast of NSW as an artificial reef and worse still, that the government has asked tenders for two prices - One to tow to the Terrigal site and another to tow her out to sea to be sunk for target practice!
“A letter was sent to NSW Premier Rees and copied to all his ministers, asking for an answer as to why the Adelaide
Project was not going on track for completion, a project that will deliver $17 million in the first two years to a state that is struggling on the economic front” said Sue Dengate, secretary for the Ccarp group.
“We IMPLORED all
Parliamentarians and officials involved, to create an environment that will hasten the completion of the Adelaide Project as this will mean so much to the economic betterment of our state and our country. We received replies from the office of six ministers, either buck passing to another minister, or saying that the matter was noted and receiving attention.
They either don’t know what is going on or they were trying to sweep the real situation under the carpet and we now
know that it is the latter of the two” Sue Dengate said.
“A letter was then sent by Ccarp to The Prime Minister of Australia, Hon K Rudd, person to person via registered mail.
We advised Mr Rudd that with the current economic climate being dire, the estimated earnings of $17.5 million within the first two years (and growth on this number for following years) for this project and an increase in job placements of 136 jobs directly supported by tourism and another 205 indirect job placements, this project is VITAL, not only for the Central Coast, but in deed for the NSW Government and the Federal Government alike!” said Sue Dengate.
“We suggested to Mr Rudd that NSW and indeed Australia cannot afford to have a delay in a project that will create so much business, money and jobs!” Sue Dengate said.
“We requested that Mr Rudd intervene and raise with the Premier why he has not hastened the completion of a project that will improve the two things that Australia needs right now, more jobs and more spending in sectors that are currently under the great strain of our economic recession, tourism and the service sector” Sue Dengate said.
“Mr Rudd hasn’t even had the decency to have his office reply!” said Sue Dengate
“Our sources have informed us that tenders have been requested to put in two quotes - One to tow the Adelaide to the Terrigal site and another to tow her out to sea to be sunk, possibly as target practice!” Sue Dengate said
“How can any government consider such waste when money is being splashed around for other things that won’t generate nearly as much sustainable growth as the Adelaide Artificial Reef on the Central Coast!” said Sue Dengate.
“The Federal Government committed over $3million to the project when The Adelaide was gifted to NSW. For little
more that an extra $3 million, this project would be completed and in return give back 300 jobs and earn an average of $8 million per year for decades!” Sue Dengate said
“We call on the Federal Government to allocate the necessary funds to sink the Adelaide off the Coast of Terrigal as a matter of urgency!” said Sue Dengate
For further information or to arrange an interview, please call Sue Dengate on: Ph. 0417 028286
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