Fears move may damage historic boat

THE Gold Coast City Council has been warned that attempting to move a historic army hospital boat from a park to a northern NSW service station site might destroy the vessel.

However, the council insists that a termite problem has been dealt with and there is “no evidence” the boat cannot be relocated.

A Gold Coast Bulletin report this week revealed a sevenmonth drama caused by the need to relocate the AH Krawarree from Heritage Park so council could start development of the Northern Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre at Pimpama.

Two groups are in dispute about ownership of the World War II sea ambulance, which marine experts value at $150,000. The 24m ambulance carrier is made of huon pine logs and is the last of five boats that evacuated casualties to hospital ships during the closing stages of the war.

Documents obtained by the Bulletin show NSW College of Marine Studies Maritime Trainers and Assessors chairman Phil Walters warned the council in February about the boat’s poor condition.

In an email to a council officer, Mr Walters wrote: “After inspection of the vessel with my colleagues last week we discovered another active lead and nest of termites in the bilges, in the engine room and forward.”

Mr Walters yesterday urged the council to employ the Australian Maritime Safety Authority experts and himself as independent assessors before the planned move of the vessel later this month.

“We need, prior to the move, to employ them to assess the damage by termites ... If it’s determined there is extreme damage, it (the move) will break its back,” he said.

The College of Marine Studies was unable to fund the $100,000 required to move the vessel, leading to another entity headed by businessman and Tweed identity Kelvin Gersbach being successful with a bid to council.

Mr Walters and his support group have doubts about the success of the planned transport south to a Shell service station at Chinderah.

An officer who reports to Gold Coast City Council CEO Dale Dickson last month declined to suspend the boat’s relocation.

“The successful applicant has provided evidence that the land owner approves the relocation of the vessel to their land at Chinderah Bay Drive, Chinderah,” the officer wrote.

“The vessel will be safe and secure at this location whilst the relevant planning approvals to the satisfaction of the Tweed Shire Council are obtained. The termite issue has been addressed and there is no evidence to suggest that the vessel is not in a suitable state for relocation.”