A recently decommissioned Australian Warship to be scuttled off the coast of South Australia is set to become a major underwater tourist attraction.

Tourism Minister Joan Hall says the Federal Department of Defence has gifted the HMAS Hobart to S.A. ahead of several other States because our case was judged to be the best and as a reflection of the success of our booming tourism industry.

The vessel will be towed from Sydney and scuttled four nautical miles off the Fleurieu Peninsula coast at Wirrina Cove, where it will become an artificial reef, tapping into the growing popularity of dive tourism.

"The artificial reef will add to our existing sport diving experiences, exposing more people to our unique underwater treasures, such as the Leafy Sea Dragon - our State Marine Emblem" Ms Hall says.

"A similar project was carried out in Western Australia in 1997 with the establishment of the HMAS Swan artificial reef in Dunsborough, which has proven to be a popular tourist attraction.

"Economic analysis based on this W.A. model indicates that by its third year, the project could attract about 16,000 divers to the Fleurieu Peninsula, with around 50 per cent of these being international tourists.

"This number of visitors would generate around $10 million in business turnover throughout the Fleurieu region, creating 127 new jobs."

The HMAS Hobart will lie in 30 metres of water, with six metres of clearance provided for small vessels to pass over the top.

"About one quarter of international visitors to the State participate in snorkeling/diving during their Australian holiday, and this attraction will provide these travellers with a unique and unforgettable experience," Ms Hall says.

"Sport diving is also enjoyed by more than 10,000 South Australians every year, and the reef will provide these enthusiasts with the opportunity to enjoy the Fleurieu Peninsula's spectacular underwater landscapes in a purpose-built environment."

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: DIVE TOURISM:

� The market for sport diving eco-tourism is growing in popularity

� Divers are mainly from the younger age groups

� The highest proportion come from the UK, Europe and the U.S.

� Backpackers - who form one of our fastest growing tourist groups - have a particularly strong interest in adventurous coastal activities

� More than half (55%) of SA's booming backpacker market take part in snorkeling and 36 per cent participate in scuba diving during their time in SA.

� About a quarter of international visitors to the State incorporate snorkeling /diving in their trip

(Source - Fishing & Coastal Tourism Research Report - SATC Dec 1999)

HMAS HOBART:

� The vessel is a Guided Missile Destroyer

� Weight - 4,500 tonnes

� Length - 437 feet

� Commissioned - 1965, Boston Massachusetts, USA

� Armament - 2 x 5" 54 calibre automatic guns, Anti-submarine torpedoes (2 triple mounts), Ikara long range anti-submarine weapon

� Completed three tours of duty with the US Forces during the Vietnam War, coming under fire while serving as a unit of the US Navy's Seventh Fleet

� Decommissioned - May 12, 2000

(Source - Director Public Information, Royal Australian Navy)