OTAMA A SHORE THING AS TOURIST ATTRACTION

I AM led to believe Osborne House at Rippleside was once Australia’s first naval submarine bases.

As home to the Geelong Maritime Museum, the building is now undergoing a major rebuild and decontamination process to rid it of mould and restore it to some of its former glory.

This process is expected to take about another two years.

Meanwhile, exhibits are being kept in atmospheric storage to prevent any deterioration.

Over at Hastings, on the Mornington Peninsula, lies the decommissioned Oberon class submarine HMAS Otama.

A national boating magazine reported in a recent article that for about 17 years there has been a standoff between the local authorities and the Western Port Oberon Association.

The Western Port Oberon Association wants to use the sub as a tourist attraction museum.

Local authorities are insisting on planning permits and have issues with where it is hoped to locate the Oberon.

The article said reports have been circulating that the sub has failed to attract a successful bidder after being offered on eBay.

There’s now the possibility it could be sold for scrap if no further progress is achieved soon.

This scenario presents a great opportunity for Geelong.

Acquire the Otama, tow it to Corio Bay, haul it up on to the lawn in front of Osborne House and you will have an accessible tourist attraction.

It will draw people to Geelong, creating more jobs and rescuing an important historic vessel for future generations to enjoy. Ed Featherston, Torquay