Yellow submarine installation “weeks away” after concrete poured to prepare for the move

The yellow submarine is just weeks away from being installed at its permanent home, according to the City of Greater Geraldton. Earthworks began last week to create the permanent home for the vessel on the Eastern Breakwater, which included the pouring of concrete to lay the foundation for it to sit on. While these initial works have been completed, a date for when the submarine will be moved to its new home has not been set. Chief executive Ross McKim confirmed the yellow submarine wouldn’t be installed for a few weeks, as the concrete needed to cure so it could take the weight of the sub. He added the Eastern Breakwater would likely be shut when the installation occurs, but said the public would be notified before the installation. The sub first started as a grey submarine built in Dongara in 1968 — the same year The Beatles released their movie Yellow Submarine — but its working life ended soon after. Instead, it sat on Geraldton’s foreshore, repainted in an ode to The Beatles. Sadly, time took its toll and dust and rust began to build up, and it was left in a council depot. However, the magnificent machine was restored by the Batavia Coast Rotary Club, before the city took ownership of it in June. The Eastern Breakwater was selected over the Stow Gardens location for its new home, despite that being the Rotary Club’s preference, due to the location’s foot traffic, lighting and CCTV. In the city’s 2024-25 budget, $80,000 was allocated for the relocation of the vessel.