HMAS DIAMANTINA HIGH AND DRY IN HER REFURBISHED HOME

A unique part of Queensland’s maritime history has been retained for future generations with the HMAS Diamantina now safe and secure in its dry dock at Southbank, Public Works Minister Robert Schwarten announced today.

Mr Schwarten joined Deputy Premier, Treasurer, Minister for Infrastructure and Member for South Brisbane Anna Bligh to officially commission the new concrete dock gate that will keep the river class World War II frigate high and dry well into the future.

He said the century-old Caisson at the mouth of the dry dock had rusted over time, allowing river water to enter the dock and float the Diamantina from her keel blocks.

“The $3.2 million restoration was funded and overseen by the Department of Public Works for the benefit of the Queensland Maritime Museum Association and, ultimately, the people of Queensland,” Mr Schwarten said.

“Work to remove the old caisson started in late September 2005 with the Diamantina moved out of the dock and moored under the Goodwill Bridge in March this year to allow the work to be completed.

“In May, she was moved back into the dock before the new, semi-permanent gate was fitted and the dock drained.”

Mr Schwarten said the design of the new gate allowed for it to be opened if required, allowing the Diamantina out.

Ms Bligh said she was delighted the Diamantina was now safe and secure in its new dry environment.

“HMAS Diamantina was built and commissioned in Queensland as part of Australia’s ship-building program during World War II,” she said.

“She was decommissioned in February 1980 after a long and distinguished career and presented to the maritime museum to be placed in the dry dock as a tourist attraction.

“When the original gate failed and water flooded the dock, it stopped important maintenance work from being undertaken.”

Ms Bligh said $40,000 had been allocated to enable the Queensland Maritime Museum to provide an interpretative display of parts of the old steel dock gate for public viewing.

“A new master plan looking at key issues including the quality of public space and historic significance has been drawn up by the Queensland Maritime Museum with the South Bank Corporation and the Brisbane City Council,” she said.

“The plan, now in draft stage, will chart a visionary course for the next 10 to 20 years to create a world-class maritime museum.

“In the meantime, completion of the new dock gate will guarantee the welfare of the historic HMAS Diamantina for future generations.”

Media contact: Mr Schwarten’s office on (07) 3237 1832

Ms Bligh’s office on (07) 3224 6900

November 21, 2006