USC to promote HMAS Brisbane for tourism and research
The HMAS Brisbane might have been scuttled off Mooloolaba in mid-2005, but the former warship is still moving full-steam ahead as a premier dive location, tourist attraction and marine research site.
Efforts to continue this progress will be boosted on Thursday 14 December when the University of the Sunshine Coast and the Environmental Protection Agency (Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service) sign an agreement about future research and promotion of the wreck.
The agreement will see the USC coordinate research on the HMAS Brisbane on behalf of QPWS and assist the government department in its tourism and promotional efforts regarding the former naval vessel.
USC also will become a hub for material related to the HMAS Brisbane and will provide expertise in providing interpretive and educational material for QPWS and tourism agencies.
Acting Dean of the USC Faculty of Science, Health and Education Dr Neil Tindale said USC planned to establish a repository of information about the HMAS Brisbane along with interactive links for the tourism industry, schools and the general public.
He said the repository would include details about the ship’s history, its development as a dive site and biological data about marine life in and around the ship.
USC marine scientist Dr Thomas Schlacher recently completed a baseline study of marine life colonisation of the wreck and is keen to conduct further studies.
"The wreck of the HMAS Brisbane off Mooloolaba represents one of the most significant nearshore assets in South East Queensland,’’ he said.
"Since the ship was scuttled in 2005, it has played a significant role in underpinning marine-based tourism on the Sunshine Coast, attracting large numbers of divers and creating a ‘wreck-based’ diving industry."
USC Faculty of Business tourism researcher Gayle Mayes also is eager to explore several proposals into developing the ship’s tourism potential.
The agreement to be signed by University Vice-Chancellor Paul Thomas and EPA Director-General Terry Wall at 1pm tomorrow will have two initial schedules: one which deals with the HMAS Brisbane; and another arrangement based on the University’s stewardship of Mooloolah River National Park.
The latter will see the University promoting Sippy Downs community interest in ownership and protection of the national park and promoting the national park for scientific education and appreciation among local schools.
The intent of the agreement is to enable closer cooperation between the University and EPA (QPWS) and the development of further joint projects.