By Cam Mackellar

“Dive businesses are thrilled that the NSW Government plans to scuttle a frigate off Avoca Beach, but local residents like Cam Mackellar aren’t happy. The final go-ahead is in Peter Garrett’s hands.

Next week, the former Navy frigate HMAS Adelaide is set to be scuttled at sea. It will rest permanently less than two kilometres off Avoca Beach on the NSW Central Coast. The HMAS Adelaide was given to the NSW Government by the Federal government for use as an artificial reef and recreational dive site and is expected to draw more tourists to the region.

Planning for the event has been underway for the two years, but in recent weeks, a groundswell of protest has grown across the Central Coast. It’s been led by residents of Avoca Beach who are concerned about the long-term impact of the dumped warship on the local beach and marine environment.

And although the scuttling is scheduled for 27 March, Federal Minister for the Environment Peter Garrett is yet to make a final decision whether to grant the Sea Dumping Permit the NSW government requires for the ship to be scuttled legally. A spokeswoman from the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts told newmatilda.com a decision from the Minister could not be expected until early next week because the departmental assessment process was not yet finished.

On the Central Coast however, you’d be forgiven for thinking it was a done deal."  Read Full Article at New Matilda