28/4/03
Sport and Recreation Minister Alan Carpenter today released plans for the proposed West Coast Dive Park in Rockingham.
Mr Carpenter said the dive park, designed around the sinking of vessels to create artificial reefs for recreational diving, would complement existing dive wrecks at Albany and Dunsborough.
"Recreational diving contributes an estimated $520million to the Australian economy, with Western Australia accounting for about $120million," he said.
"The metropolitan area currently has no specially created dive wreck sites to cater for interstate or local recreational divers, although further wrecks have been earmarked for Bunbury and Geraldton.
"Over coming years, the West Coast Dive Park will fill this gap and cater for enthusiasts of one of the world's fastest-growing recreational pursuits."
Local member Mark McGowan MLA said the State Government was exploring opportunities to acquire vessels for sinking.
"All vessels will be prepared and sunk in accordance with Commonwealth legislation under the direction of Environment Australia or relevant State Authority legislation," Mr McGowan said.
He said the dive park would build on the recreational diving already available within the park's proposed precinct.
"Details of the dive park are available online at http://www.dsr.wa.gov.au where people can read about the progress of the park, and the history surrounding the existing wrecks in the area," Mr McGowan said.
"Most importantly, the website allows people to have their say about the park proposal, and we welcome their comments and ideas."
Mr McGowan said the Government had completed an initial stage of consultation with the community and key peak bodies on the overall concept of the dive park.
"With the future acquisition of vessels, further rounds of consultation will take place to determine the best sinking sites to ensure the needs of all interested parties are balanced," he said.
"The public has been highly supportive of the concept and we have taken on board a number of suggestions from peak industry and environmental groups."
Mr Carpenter said that as a result of feedback received to date, the Government had extended the scope of the concept and would consider additional locations along the metropolitan coastline, in addition to the initial artificial reefs to be created off Rockingham.
The Minister launched an information package and map showing notional dive wreck sites and invited the public to have a continuing involvement in the evolution of the dive park.
Minister's office: 9213 6800
