Dive site to give jobs and tourism a big boost

A GOLD Coast dive site will create dozens of jobs and inject new excitement into the city’s tourism industry.

That’s the message from political leaders who are backing the pyramid project to deliver big things for the Coast.

The Gold Coast Bulletin yesterday reported expressions of interest for design and construction of the site at Narrowneck would open today.

Early estimates put the cost of the project between $3 million and $5 million with predictions it will generate more than 166,000 new, overnight visitors to the city and $32.8 million during the first 10 years of operation.

It is expected to create up to 18 jobs during construction and 80 jobs once built.

Gaven MP Meaghan Scanlon said progress on the project was good news.

“I think a dive site could create dozens of jobs for Gold Coasters in years to come,” she said.

“But the bottom line is it must stack up economically and environmentally.”

The proposed site is 3.5km southeast of the Gold Coast Seaway and 2.5km offshore from Main Beach. It is two nautical miles off Narrowneck and east of the Scottish Prince wreck. The pyramid would be placed 30m below the sea.

Mayor Tom Tate said the time for delays was over.

“With 220 diveable days per year, this will be a unique attraction luring divers from across the world,” he said.