Reputation restoration
Chief out to restore Reef’s rep
New Dive Queensland president Terry Cummins (right) will hammer home to global markets that Far Northern waters are “open for business”. The Mt Sheridan resident and scuba industry veteran was appointed to the influential role this week, 45 years after he first dived off Cairns. He said the Far North was Queensland’s dive industry epicentre. “This region probably has the biggest conglomeration of diving activities in the world,” the 68-year-old said.
NEW Dive Queensland president Terry Cummins will hammer home to global markets that the famous Far North waters are “open for business”.
The Mt Sheridan resident and scuba industry veteran was appointed to the influential role this week, 45 years after he first dived off Cairns.
He said the Far North was Queensland’s dive industry epicentre.
“This region probably has the biggest conglomeration of diving activities in the world,” the 68-year-old said.
Despite hailing from Condobolin in country New South Wales, hundreds of kilometres from the ocean, Mr Cummins’ scuba CV is impressive.
The former teacher has for decades played an instrumental role in the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, and in 2013 was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for his contribution to the sport.
While “absolutely” concerned about the Great Barrier Reef following two mass coral bleaching events, he said “misconceptions” were unfairly damaging its reputation.
“My first goal is to improve the perception of diving in Queensland – we are open for business,” Mr Cummins said.
“We want to dispel the doom and gloom.
“The Reef is still attractive and we are waiting for science to show us what the impact of the bleaching will be.
“We certainly aren’t seeing many people coming off the Reef and saying they had a horrible day because the coral was bleached.”
Mr Cummins also aims to increase the Dive Queensland membership, which currently comprises about 45 companies.
“We want to attract not just dive operators but affiliated businesses, such as engineering or accommodation providers, and with that comes income, which will be put towards more exposure at international dive shows,” he said.
He said the Ribbon Reefs and Michaelmas Cay ranked among his favourite diving and snorkelling spots.