Fishing vessel to be scuttled to create new dive attraction

28/3/05
A former fishing vessel destined to take its place as the showpiece of the new West Coast Dive Park off Rockingham, is scheduled to be scuttled in May.
Following consultation with the City of Rockingham and when the last of the environmental approvals have been processed, the 400-tonne Saxon Ranger will join 10 existing wrecks on the floor of the 279sq kilometre dive park.
Housing and Works Minister Francis Logan said the burgeoning recreational diving industry contributed more than $500million to the national economy, of which $120million flowed into Western Australia.
"A vessel such as the Saxon Ranger with three holds easily accessible to divers will be a significant added attraction in a dive park where wrecks date back to 1874," Mr Logan said.
The Saxon Ranger is a 38m trawler built in the early 1960's at Grimsby, UK for work in the North Atlantic. In 1974 the vessel was brought to Australia and worked off the coast of Albany as well as in Tasmanian and Antarctic waters.
"The capital funding required to sink the Saxon Ranger has been agreed at $350,000, of which $250,000 will be met through a State Government grant to the Department of Sport and Recreation and a contribution of $100,000 from the City of Rockingham," Mr Logan said.
Tourism Minister Mark McGowan said the new dive wreck would significantly boost tourism and provide economic benefits to coastal communities such as Rockingham.
"This will be the first purpose-sunk dive wreck in the metropolitan area," he said.
"It will bring in large numbers of tourists to Rockingham, who will use services and spend money in local businesses.
"It is also ideally located near the decompression chambers of HMAS Stirling."
A contract to prepare the vessel for scuttling has been awarded to DG Artificial Reef Consultants.
"The company's project team is regarded as having the most experience and qualifications, having been involved in all major dive wreck projects in Australia," Mr Logan said.
Minister for Housing and Works' office: 9222 8950
Minister for Tourism's office: 9222 9111