S.S. Dicky strategy taskforce
In late 2013 council developed the S.S. Dicky taskforce to evaluate and provide a recommendation on the management of the site.
The S.S. Dicky was an iron-hulled steamer, driven ashore at Caloundra during a cyclone in 1893. A number of efforts were made to re-float the Dicky but on each occasion it beached and was eventually abandoned as a total wreck.
The wreck has long been an attraction to both tourists and locals, however it was badly eroded by ex-tropical cyclone Oswald in 2013 and now critically weakened continues to deteriorate. Without action there would have been a visible loss of this significant local heritage icon for the area.
The long term management strategy was identified to relocate identified portions of the S.S. Dicky to the open space area within the vicinity of Dicky Beach and the remaining portions moved to a storage location for long term preservation.
Recommendation
In late 2013 council developed the S.S. Dicky Taskforce to evaluate and provide a recommendation on the long term option for management of the site. The taskforce has a number of stakeholders from council, state government, community heritage and the Dicky Beach SLSC.
On 18 June 2015, council endorsed the long term strategy for the wreck which includes:
- removal of the exposed stern, starboard and port ribs
- ongoing management of loose pieces as the wreck breaks up into the future
- main portion of the wreck to remain in situ
- delivery of a wreck interpretive display as part of a greater open space landscape plan for the area
- creation of a short film and mobile display that documents the community connection of the historic shipwreck to the area
- conserve remaining removed pieces.
The taskforce has also received a grant from the State Government to support the relocation efforts.
Consultation
Community consultation in relation to this project was undertaken as a part of the ongoing discussion of the long term management of the S.S. Dicky. This includes media releases, media interviews and taskforce member discussions with the general community.
There was considerable community and media interest around this issue including the development of a short documentary.
Council recognises the iconic status of the S.S. Dicky and as per the long term management strategy will relocate identified portions of the S.S. Dicky to the open space area within the vicinity of Dicky Beach. The remaining portions will be moved to a storage location for long term conservation consistent with the State approval process.
This will provide for the ongoing preservation of the local tourist icon and also provide a safe swimming environment for beach users.