Queensland makes claim for HMAS Tobruk

The Palaszczuk Government will lodge a formal bid with the Department of Defence to scuttle the ex-HMAS Tobruk off the Queensland coast as a dive site.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the government would also open an Expression of Interest process for Queensland councils to nominate a site to scuttle the vessel.

“The ex-HMAS Tobruk offers a great opportunity for Queensland to create an artificial reef and dive attraction off the coast,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“It has the potential to be a major drawcard for Queensland, growing our $1 billion dive tourism market and creating multiple economic, tourism and community benefits for the state.

“The HMAS Tobruk was decommissioned on 31 July 2015 after serving the Royal Australian Navy since 1981.

“The ship has supported Australian peacekeeping operations in Bougainville and East Timor and has made multiple trips to the Middle East to deliver vehicles and cargo to Australian forces in the region.

“The vessel is 127 metres long and its large deck space and interior will provide excellent access for divers.”

Tourism Minister Kate Jones said a new tourism dive experience off the Queensland coast had great potential to propel tourism growth.

“We have seen a great success with the ex-HMAS Brisbane dive site since that vessel was scuttled off the Sunshine Coast in 2005,” she said.

“That site attracts more than 5,000 divers a year and generates $1.5 million for the economy.

“If successful, the state government will take responsibility for cleaning, preparing and scuttling the ship.”

Ms Jones said a number of sites – including areas off Bundaberg and Hervey Bay, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast – were considered suitable to scuttle the ex-HMAS Tobruk.

“We are calling for councils to offer an expression of interest to partner with the state government to make this new tourism venture a reality,” she said.

Ms Jones said the Department of Defence was expected to make their decision within four weeks.

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