Jibbon Beach project
Proposed Museum of Underwater Art project – Jibbon Beach, Royal National Park
The Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA), with the support of the Gujaga Foundation and the La Perouse Aboriginal Land Council is undertaking site and feasibility assessments for an underwater museum snorkel and dive site, in the waters around Jibbon Beach, in the Royal National Park.
Initial funding for this project is being provided through a philanthropic donation from Mr David Standen of Dolan’s Bay Marina. Mr Standen and his family are long-time contributors to community projects in Sydney including beach restoration and clean ups with his eco barge and his marina operations. Mr Standen has become a Director at MOUA to support the project and drive fundraising.
Preliminary meetings with Crown Lands NSW and National Parks NSW have outlined the planning and approval process for this unique tourism investment, as MOUA navigates an application for Crown Land and Sutherland Shire approval to install the museum artworks. This innovative project proposes to showcase traditional owner stories through an intertidal and underwater art installation. The project is seeking capital funding partnerships.
The project represents a unique opportunity to celebrate and share Indigenous cultural heritage while creating a significant new tourist attraction for Sydney and the Sutherland Shire. MOUA is collaborating with the Traditional Owners in the cultural story, the artistic design of the sculptures and on the development of a ‘cultural tourism’ experience integrating the museum dreaming story with the ancient rock art at Jibbon Beach. The La Perouse land and sea rangers are likely to play a leading role in the experience and site care, and in collaboration with science partners, lead scientific, research and a citizen science initiatives on the site.
The site is an ideal shore snorkel/dive experience, however MOUA proposes to manage access via commercial tourism moorings. The site is easily accessible from the coastal communities of Bundeena and Cronulla. The site is adjacent the Dharawal existing Indigenous rock art sites in the Royal National Park giving the La Perouse / Gujaga community an opportunity to develop a ‘cultural tourism experience tour’. An initial site assessment provides some confidence that the site, while having some protected native sea grasses, has open clear sandy areas in 3-6m of protected waters, with good visibility of 5-15m suitable and accessible for an art installation.
The project aligns perfectly with the planned Great Southern Walk initiative and would create an additional drawcard for visitors to the region. This would generate valuable economic benefits for local businesses in Bundeena and Cronulla, while offering a distinctive cultural and educational experience for both domestic and international tourists.
The underwater art installation would:
Create a unique cultural tourism experience that celebrates art, science, culture and education.
Complement existing cultural sites in the Royal National Park.
Generate economic opportunities for local communities.
Enhance the appeal of the Great Southern Walk and integrate with the Royal National Park experiences.
Provide educational opportunities about Indigenous culture and marine environments.
Attract visitors to the Sutherland Shire region.
MOUA is undertaking joint consultation with Government and Community agencies.
For enquiries or to arrange a briefing please contact MOUA Chair, Paul Victory paul@moua.com.au
★★★★★
“the conservation conversation of the Museum of Underwater Art highlights how amazing and precious our reefs are. The opportunity to dive this underwater paradise is immersive art, varied and changing every time I visit. And the reef is spectacular. We are so lucky to have this experience at our doorstep.”
Kassie Sullivan, Visitor
More Reviews
Shop MOUA
By purchasing MOUA merchandise, you not only get unique and beautiful items but also contribute directly to the protection of the Great Barrier Reef. Every purchase helps fund our underwater art projects, science programs, and media work. Show your love for the reef and make a tangible impact by shopping our collection.
Organic T-Shirts
MuseUM Quality Prints
BIODEGRADABLE Cases
“[MOUA is] a living piece of art that communicates to the people how important research is, how important coral reefs are, and how all these aspects – art, science, humanity – can come together to protect the reef.”
Dr Katharina Fabricius, Ocean Sentinel
More Reviews
Sponsor MOUA
Sponsors who contribute to MOUA not only get to associate their brand with the Museum of Underwater Art but also play a crucial role in raising awareness about the pressing challenges faced by the Great Barrier Reef. By supporting the installation and maintenance of captivating underwater art, sponsors help to inspire conversations and meaningful dialogue about the reef's preservation.
Through their generosity, sponsors help MOUA to engage and educate people from all walks of life about the urgent need to protect the Great Barrier Reef for future generations. The impact of their support extends far beyond the visitors who experience our installations firsthand, reaching a much broader audience through the extensive media coverage of our installations and events.
MOUA's unique fusion of art and science creates a compelling platform for fostering dialogue and driving action in reef conservation. Sponsors play a pivotal role in facilitating this vital work, making it possible to inspire positive change and enhance the protection of this extraordinary natural wonder.
Download our sponsorship pack or the updated prospectus to find out how you and your brand can get involved and support the future of MOUA.
sponsorship pack
