Ex-HMAS Adelaide to become a dive attraction

3 July 2009

The scuttling of ex-HMAS Adelaide to create an artificial reef and dive wreck off the coast of Terrigal, north of Sydney, has come a step closer as Defence Minister, Senator John Faulkner, today handed over the ship to NSW Premier, Nathan Rees.

The Commonwealth Government will contribute up to $5.8 million to the project, to prepare the ship and ensure environmental hazards are removed, and to then sink the ship in the coastal waters off Terrigal NSW.

Senator Faulkner said: “The Commonwealth is delighted that ex-HMAS Adelaide will become a major dive attraction and provide significant benefits for the Central Coast of NSW.”

Mr Rees thanked the Commonwealth for facilitating the project, and the substantial funding commitment to see the project finalised.

“We expect avid divers from around the globe to visit the Central Coast to take advantage of this magnificent opportunity – this is a fantastic addition to the already spectacular attractions the Coast has to offer,” Mr Rees said.

“This is a tremendous opportunity to create and support existing jobs on the Central Coast and that is the NSW Government’s first priority.”

A deed of agreement for the arrangement was first signed in July 2008 to allow arrangements to be made between the Department of Defence and the State Government.

The NSW Government now takes responsibility for the ship and the process of preparation, transport to Terrigal and scuttling.

Federal Member for Robertson Belinda Neal, who lobbied long and hard for ex-HMAS Adelaide to meet its final resting place in the waters off Terrigal today said:

"In providing ex-HMAS Adelaide as a dive wreck the Rudd Government has come up with an imaginative way to boost our local tourism economy and dispose of a ship at the same time. The attraction will add to the critical mass of tourism opportunities of the central coast.”

State Member for The Entrance Grant McBride said this was an exciting opportunity for the Central Coast.

“We are already one of the world’s great dive spots – this will be a shot in the arm for our local tourism industry and that means jobs for the Central Coast.”