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The new ex-HMAS Tobruk dive site will be ready for divers to explore on 25th February, after a series of delays following its scuttling last year. Queensland Minister for Environment and the Great Barrier Reef Leeanne Enoch said hundreds of people were now lining up to explore the new dive site.

Minister Enoch stated “the former Royal Australian Navy ship is about to become a major tourist drawcard for the Wide Bay region.

 “The ship has been transformed into a magnificent marine ecosystem, providing homes and shelter for hundreds of species of fish, including grouper, trevally and wrasse along with molluscs, hard corals and various species of ray.”

Since the scuttling, preparation work has been completed to cut 10 additional holes into the ship, to help provide natural light and improve access for divers, with some areas being sealed off for safety reasons.

Dive operator Ed Gibson from Hervey Bay Dive Centre, who recently explored ex-HMAS Tobruk, said he was looking forward to taking people diving on the wreck

Glenn Bowman from Tobruk Dive Centre said this was an exciting time for the region, commenting "this will be one of the best dive wrecks in Australia, I am looking forward to getting out there and diving.”

Fraser Coast Regional Council Mayor George Seymour said the community was looking forward to the opening of the dive site, adding "tourism is a major employer and economic driver on the Fraser Coast so the development of new attractions to entice visitors to the region is very welcome.

“I look forward to working with the State Government on campaigns to promote the dive wreck nationally and internationally.”

Bundaberg Regional Council Mayor Jack Dempsey said the waters lapping the shores of the region are producing opportunities to create a wealth of visitor experiences.

Mayor Dempsey concluded “the availability of the ex-HMAS Tobruk as a wreck-dive experience supports other attractions including our proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and the iconic Mon Repos Turtle Rookery."

Minister Enoch said the Queensland Government was investing $1 million in the Wide Bay region to promote its tourism opportunities with the wreck expected to generate about $1.7 million for the local economy.

For more information, visit www.qld.gov.au/exhmastobruk

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