Parks blamed over dive in wreck visits

VISITOR numbers to Ocean Grove’s HMAS Canberra have “dropped off” due to Parks Victoria’s failure to rebuild the dive site’s reputation after a three-month closure more than a year ago, according to a local diving operator.
Dive Victoria’s Jason Salter said Parks Victoria had failed to “put enough effort” into promoting the $10 million site to visitors.
“Parks has done such a poor job of managing the site. We carried lots of people when it first opened but those numbers have dropped off more than they should have because of lack of promotion and support for the project.”
The previous State Government scuttled the former Navy ship in October 2009 to create an artificial reef and dive attraction.
The Independent reported in October 2011 Mr Salter’s calls for Parks to reopen the site after safety concerns forced its closure.
“I informed Parks about a section that had dislodged then two days later I told them it had fallen into the sea and was safe,” Mr Salter said.
“There was no need for it to be closed – this is just a typical reaction of the Government trying to cover its a..e.”
Geelong Otway Tourism’s Roger Grant agreed the ship’s attraction had “lost momentum”, requiring further promotion.
“State Government is the legal entity responsible for the ship, so if divers are injured or worse they’re accountable. They would rather see the wreck as safe as possible but it has been a shame it did have that break in continuity.”
Mr Grant said in 2011 the vessel had “shifted a bit further” than expected, requiring closure and an investigation to deem it safe.
Geelong Otway Tourism would boost the HMAS Canberra’s marketing within the dive industry, he said.
“We’ve engaged photographers out there to take some time-lapse still and moving footage. People will be amazed at the growth of sea-life around the wreck since its sinking.”
A Parks Victoria spokesperson said the department planned “further promotions” for the site this year.
“The closure of the site two years ago was unfortunate but absolutely necessary in the interests of public safety. We work actively with operators to promote their businesses wherever possible.”