Second ship could become Wide Bay's military dive wreck
THE chance of a new military dive site for the Wide Bay has doubled thanks to a second ship on offer by the defence department.
It follows Minister for Defence Marise Payne's announcement last week both the decommissioned HMAS Tobruk and HMAS Sydney Navy vessels would be given to the states or territories.
"There are significant challenges with preparing ex-Navy vessels for dive wrecks to assure the safety of recreational divers,"Ms Payne said.
"However, I appreciate the tourism and economic benefits that the creation of a dive wreck can have to local communities," she said.
WATCH: State Government to decide on HMAS Tobruk gift
The scuttling of the HMAS Tobruk between Hervey Bay and Bundaberg could boost the Wide Bay economy by about $4 million every year.
The vessel would need to be inspected by state officials in June before the Federal Government decided whether the ship would be given to Queensland.
The HMAS Tobruk Military Dive Experience project was backed by Minister for Tourism and Major Events Kate Jones last month, and Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt has called for Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk to accept the gift in advance.
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