Warship winning battle

Politicians unite to push claim for Coast dive site

THE Gold Coast’s 30-strong political leadership have declared themselves on a unity ticket and backed the push for a major new piece of tourism infrastructure.

Plans to sink a retired warship off The Spit have received a major boost with MPs and councillors vowing to pull out all the stops to secure HMAS Darwin.

The idea is now being championed by Mayor Tom Tate and tourism ministers Kate Jones and Steven Ciobo, who have already begun lobbying Defence Minister Marise Payne.

And their push has the enthusiastic backing of their colleagues.

“Hell yes I support it,” said Robina councillor Hermann Vorster, while Coomera MP Michael Crandon declared the idea would give the Coast’s tourism industry a boost from a previously untapped market.

“Too right I back it, because to my mind it brings in a whole new cohort of visitors,” he said.

“Generally divers travel in groups and stay for a few days so this would take things to a whole new level.”

A final site has not been named but if successful, the Darwin would rest 2.3km off The Spit at a depth of 30m.

The depth was selected to allow both experienced and novice divers a chance to use the wreck.

The Gold Coast City Council has already set aside more than $1 million to put towards the bid, which is expected to cost more than $10 million and would likely require state funding.

But some city leaders say they are keen to get more information on the project in the near future.

While generally supportive of boosting tourism, Labrador’s Cr Kristyn Boutlon said she wanted to explore the idea further.

“I think it is something we need to explore in greater detail but I also think it is important we ask the community what they think about it too,” she said.

As revealed last month, council modelling suggests it would immediately add $5.4 million in direct and indirect economic benefits to the city.

The modelling, completed in 2016, suggested it would immediately create 73 full timeequivalent jobs, with the flowon to bring in another 81 positions and a further $6.1 million within three years.

Fadden MP Stuart Robert said funding as well as political support would make the project a reality.

“If they can get the funding together I can almost guarantee we can get a warship,” he said. “There is no shortage of political goodwill.”