WE HOPEQueensland’s bright idea to light the way to the Olympic Games in Sydney in 2000 does not turn into a damp squib.
Its plan is for the Olympic torch, usually carried high on its way from Greece to open the games, to travel underwater along the Great Barrier Reef.
Reef operator Quicksilver Connections has won the contract to carry the flame on one of its catamarans from Palm Cover in North Queensland to the resort village of Port Douglas, ducking it under water at the reef on June 27 2000.
It will take clever technology to make sure it is a success as not only must the flame stay alight but the organisers have got to make sure they do not singe the precious coral or there will be some unhappy people to answer to at the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.
A few tourists with holidays booked to this great attraction might also be a bit miffed, although it does give a whole new meaning to holding a torch for someone.