Community Benfits of HMAS Adelaide Sinking

The economic and environmental benefits that are created from an artificial reef project are numerous and varied . The major benefactors are the tourist, fishing and diving industries. These in themselves create flow on benefits for other businesses.

IDENTIFIED COMMUNITY BENEFITS 

  • Significantly increase the number of international and interstate visitors to the Central Coast and NSW.
  • Increase Travel and Tourism industry trade patterns by increasing visit frequency.
  • Detailed, long-term marine biological studies.
  • Replenished fish stocks to replace depleted resources
  • Increase the profile of the Central Coast.
  • More local jobs
  • Higher tourism profile capturing an untapped market
  • Off-peak transport backload
  • Increased patronage to established tourist attractions and environs
  • Short term job creation in Newcastle as ship is prepared for sinking - possibilty of work for dole project

SCIENTIFIC BENEFITS:  

 

  • Long-term study opportunity – the evolution of a new habitat
  • Educational resource for local University and High Schools
  • A ‘fish nursery’ to replenish local reefs

EXAMPLE CASE STUDIES:  

Economic Impact to Western Australia after sinking of HMAS Swan
  • The former HMAS Swan in WA attracted 14,000 divers in 2 years
  • Generating over $5.2 million turnover in associated businesses.
Potential Economic Impact to South Australia after sinking of HMAS Hobart
  • $10 million in business turnover
  • Creating an additional 120+ new jobs
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  • Will attract 16,000+ new divers to the Hobart dive site by year three
Potential Economic Impact to NSW Central Coast after sinking of significant historical ship
  • Potential 20,000 international divers per annum - 6 dives, over 3 days
  • Accommodation, meals, transport and entertainment
  • Estimated minimum earnings = $11.7 million

 

These examples clearly show that ship reefs will attract divers. Not only locally but also from interstate and overseas. An indication of the potential earnings for the Central Coast can be estimated by looking at the costs per diver for an overseas diving trip.

MONEY GOING OVERSEAS:  

Nine day Dive trips to overseas dive locations
  • Vanuatu $3,000
  • Solomon Islands $4,000
  • Fiji $2,800
  • Truk Lagoon $8,500

This money could be spent Right Here on the Central Coast