Media release – Sussan Ley MP, Minister for the Environment & Senator Eric Abetz, Senator for Tasmania, 7 April 2022
Australia sets sight on a new world of Antarctic discovery
Having spectacularly opened the door to a new era of polar science in its maiden season, Australia’s state of the art ice breaker RSV Nuyina is setting sight on new journeys of discovery, including one to Antarctica’s remote ‘ice-edge’ to unlock the mystery of sea ice changes.
Minister Ley was on-board the world’s most advanced polar research vessel at its Hobart dock today confirming a $44.2 million investment in additional shipping capacity that will allow the Nuyina to spend more time researching the Southern Ocean.
She also expressed the hope that the Nuyina can find time in its schedule to visit major Australian ports and give more Australians a first-hand look at this amazing vessel.
“In two short trips to Antarctica the Nuyina has grabbed the international spotlight mapping vast undersea canyons and an underwater mountain higher than Mt Kosciuszko,” Minister Ley said.
“It has refuelled and resupplied Australia’s Antarctic stations, unloaded more than 2000 tonnes of cargo and brought new technology to the study of krill and other marine ecosystems, cementing its claim as a genuine polar triathlete.
“As we focus forward our additional shipping capacity investment means that there will be an even greater focus on the Nuyina’s role as a world leading scientific research platform.
“Already there is a collaboration being planned with the Australian Research Council for RSV Nuyina to travel to the stormy marginal ice zone, a 48-day program battling turbulent seas and icebergs that was beyond the capacity of previous vessels.
“The final planning and timing of these opportunities will be a matter for the AAD but already the Nuyina and the Morrison Government’s $804.4 million investment in Antarctic leadership are opening new horizons in Australia’s proud Antarctic history.
“As part of its scheduled commissioning, the Nuyina will leave tomorrow for a dry dock in Singapore before returning for the next Antarctic season. I have also asked for the Nuyina to find time to visit major Australian ports in the future to highlight the importance of the work it is undertaking and our leadership in polar exploration.”
Led by RSV Nuyina, Australia has completed an epic Antarctic season packed with achievements, while successfully preventing COVID-19 transmission to the icy continent.
All four Antarctic and sub-Antarctic research stations were re-supplied, and expeditioners changed over, with 87 ‘winterers’ now safely in place for the rest of the year.
So hectic has the schedule been that today’s visit was the first opportunity to fully explore the ship and discuss plans for medium lift helicopters, drones and increased scientific capability that are included in the Antarctic leadership package.
Announced in February by the Prime Minister, the Morrison Government’s Antarctic leadership package, increases Australia’s scientific and strategic capability, strengthens our national interests in Antarctica and supports Tasmanian jobs.
Senator for Tasmania Eric Abetz said RSV Nuyina was a symbol of opportunity for Hobart with AAD programs set to generate hundreds of jobs with Australian businesses, contractors, medical suppliers, researchers and providores reaping the benefits of local procurement.
“Tasmania is the international gateway to East Antarctica and the Nuyina is a ship that commands world-wide attention in highlighting that position,” Senator Abetz said.
“It is important that we build on these opportunities and create more jobs for Tasmanians in the process.
“Australia has a proud history of polar exploration and scientific leadership, and Tasmania has played a key role in those achievements over many decades.
“The Morrison Government’s investment in Antarctic leadership and science will ensure that remains the case for many years to come.”
Media release – Greater Hobart Mayors, 8 April 2022
Hobart Mayors call for full funding commitment, greater collaboration on Antarctic and Science Precinct
The Mayors of the four Greater Hobart councils have expressed their disappointment following the visit of the federal Minister for the Environment to Hobart yesterday, noting that it was a missed opportunity to make important progress on the development of an Antarctic and Science Precinct at Macquarie Point.
Minister Ley visited Hobart to tour the RSV nuyina and to speak about spending on Australia’s operations in Antarctica in the recent Commonwealth budget, but did not announce any further progress on the proposed Antarctic and Science Precinct. Commitment to developing a new Antarctic and Science Precinct is a key part of the Hobart City Deal, which was signed by the commonwealth, state, and local governments in 2019.
Speaking on behalf of the four Greater Hobart councils, Lord Mayor of the City of Hobart, Anna Reynolds, said that commitment to the precinct is one of the councils’ shared priorities in the upcoming federal election, developed as part of their collaboration through the Greater Hobart Strategic Partnership.[1]
“The commonwealth’s recent spending on Antarctic operations is welcome, however it is critical that we also see investment in Hobart, which is the home port of the nuyina and the operational end of our national Antarctic program.
“Without a timely and appropriate investment in Hobart Port and the new Antarctic and Science Precinct, our status as a premier gateway to the Antarctic and Southern Ocean is at risk. The Antarctic sector is vital to both Hobart and Tasmania: it currently provides over $150 million to the state economy every year, a contribution that has grown by over 36 per cent in the last 10 years.[2]
“Infrastructure Australia confirmed last year that the current condition of Hobart Port limits opportunities to grow the Antarctic sector. This is absolutely critical infrastructure for Hobart’s economic future. The community is looking to see funding commitment from the Commonwealth Government to assist with this port work and to build a world-class Antarctic and Science Precinct at Macquarie Point.”
Lord Mayor Reynolds said that the Greater Hobart councils are eager to work with both the state and commonwealth to realise the potential of the proposed Antarctic and Science Precinct.
“While we always welcome visits by Ministers to our city, it is disappointing for these visits to not be used as opportunities to advance collaboration with the state government and the Greater Hobart Councils, and to progress important projects like the Antarctic and Science Precinct.
“In the spirit of working in partnership through the City Deal, we look forward to continuing to collaborate with the commonwealth and state governments on this critical project for Hobart – ideally before the federal election being called, but certainly as a priority once a new federal government is returned.”
The four Mayors will continue to work in partnership throughout the upcoming federal election campaign to seek a full funding commitment for the Antarctic and Science Precinct from all candidates and parties.
[1] A full copy of the Greater Hobart election priorities is available at this link.
[2] The Contribution of the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Sector to the Tasmanian Economy 2019-20
