PREMIER WELCOMES FEDERAL SUPPORT FOR CENTAUR SEARCH

Premier Anna Bligh has welcomed the support of Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in the search for the Australian Hospital Ship Centaur.

It was announced yesterday that the Commonwealth would match Queensland’s $2 million commitment for the search, taking the joint investment to a total of $4 million.

Ms Bligh said she wrote to the Prime Minister to ask for his assistance to find the Ship on 14 May 2008 – the 65^th anniversary of Centaur’s sinking.

“The final resting place of the Centaur remains a mystery, with estimates that she lies about 24 nautical miles off North Stradbroke Island,” Ms Bligh said.

“There were 332 on board and only 64 survived, including six Queenslanders. 39 Queenslanders lost their lives and to this day, their families still wait for answers.

“If we can find the Centaur, it will be of considerable emotional significance for many of the relatives of those lost on her.

“This site is part of our State and nation’s history and we should try and find, preserve and protect it.

“For them and their families it is right that we try to find and mark its exact location.

“The Aussies and their lost ship are reminders of what we as families, a State and a nation have lost in war. It is right that in our remembering them we can say exactly where they lie,” she said.

A Joint Steering Committee will be established and will call for tenders in the coming weeks.

Media: 3224 4500 (Premier’s office)