Gold Coast dive attraction moves to next stage

Gold Coast City Council is moving forward its plans to deliver a unique artificial dive site to boost the region's tourism appeal, inviting Expressions of Interest and seeking a contractor with innovative ideas and information on artificial reefs to design and construct the Gold Coast Dive Attraction.

This first stage in the Gold Coast Dive Precinct is projected to bring $32.8 million into the region’s economy in the first 10 years of operation.

Announcing the EoI, Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said it was the initial step in realising a long-held aspiration for the Gold Coast to diversify its offerings in dive and eco-tourism, stating “we’re ready, the dive industry is ready and the tourism and business sectors are waiting.

“We’re getting on with the project while awaiting the outcome of our full business case submission to the State Government as part of its Growing Tourism Infrastructure Fund which aims to realise the government’s vision for future-proofing the tourism industry.

“With 220 diveable days per year, this will be a unique attraction luring divers from across the world. It will offer something for all certification levels, from those who can descend to 8m, right down to 30m.

“The City has a sound business case, technical studies have been completed and we are ready to deliver this unique nature-based tourism project.’’

The coast is well placed to harness the untapped potential of the dive tourism market, while contributing to the growth of the Queensland visitor economy.

“A dive precinct will generate 166,543 new overnight visitors and inject an estimated $32.8 million into the region’s economy during the first 10 years of operation.

“Supporting up to 18 jobs during construction and 80 once built, this project will strengthen our economy and provide diverse tourism offerings.”

The proposed site is 3.5 kilometres south-east of the seaway and 2.5 kilometres offshore from Main Beach, at a depth of 30 metree. The attraction will be engineered to fast track marine growth and attract marine life.

The Dive Attraction business case has been informed by a 12-month monitoring study of the Main Beach site by International Coastal Management (ICM), in partnership with the Griffith Centre for Coastal Management (GCCM).

Expressions of interest close on 10th April with a successful tenderer expected to be announced by the end of June.

Click here for information on the Australasian Leisure Management Tenders page.

Image: An artificial reef in Mexico made from sculptures of real people