END OF AN ERA FOR CHERRY VENTURE

After nearly 34 years trapped in sand on Teewah Beach, the removal of the remains of the Cherry Venture wreck is nearly complete.

Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr told Parliament today it had taken nearly six weeks for heavy machinery to remove the rusting and asbestos contaminated remains of the wreck from its final resting place on Teewah Beach at Cooloola.

Ms Nelson-Carr said the Beattie Government had successfully resolved the environmental and safety concerns associated with the wreck.

“At a total cost of about $600,000, the Environmental Protection Agency contracted an experienced team of demolition and asbestos removal experts to remove the hulk and make the site safe.

“More than 1250 cubic metres of material has been removed as part of the operation.

"Steel recovered from the wreck has been recycled and a significant amount of asbestos has been removed from the site and disposed of safely in an approved waste facility.”

Ms Nelson-Carr said the final phase of the clean up this week involved using special equipment to sift the last rusted remains from beach sand around the wreck site.

“This is expected to be finished in the next week and then temporary site fencing and other equipment and materials can be removed.

“The beach will be reopened to traffic once the all clear for traces of asbestos has been given by independent monitoring.”

Ms Nelson-Carr said while the wreck would be gone, it would live on through information signs highlighting the Cherry Venture story which will be installed on site once the clean-up works have been completed.

“After running aground during a severe storm in 1973, there were several unsuccessful attempts to salvage the Singaporean cargo ship.

“The wreck drew a lot of visitors but tides and time have taken their toll, with the remains deteriorating to the point where they became a public safety liability, rather than the tourist icon she once was.

“I’d like to thank the local community and visitors for heeding advice and avoiding the area while works were under way.

"Public co-operation has helped ensure the safe removal of the wreck and restoration of this spectacular section of Queensland’s coastline.”

Media contact: Karla Steen on 3336 8004 or Andie Gatti on 3336 8002