The Tasmanian Greens today said that TasPorts and Infrastructure Minister, David O’Byrne, need to ensure that Antarctic research does not leave the State’s shores because our port infrastructure is in disrepair, and work openly to secure funding to fix the ‘concrete cancer’ that causes concrete to split as steel supports rust inside.
Greens Environment, Parks and Heritage spokesperson Cassy O’Connor MP said both the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) and the CSIRO, have been long term and major contributors to environmental research, as well as Tasmania’s economy and jobs sectors.
Ms O’Connor also said that urgent work is needed to identify appropriate funding sources to fix the concrete problem, which would be a very sound investment in Tasmania’s brand as the gateway to Antarctica.
“The Australian Antarctic Division and the CSIRO have been using Tasmania as a gateway for many years, contributing to environmental research, as well as boosting the Tasmanian economy and generating local jobs,” Ms O’Connor said.
“As I am sure the Minister is acutely aware of Tasmania’s role as Antarctic Gateway, he also needs to work with TasPorts to reassure the AAD and CSIRO that Tasmania’s gateway status is not compromised.”
“The Greens have been longstanding supporters of the scientific work carried out in Tasmania, and from Tasmania in the Southern Ocean and Antarctica, for all the enormous benefits it brings to Tasmania.”
“I trust that all parties responsible are now focussing on working together to help secure good outcomes for Tasmanian, and ensure that our national and international branding as the gateway to Antarctica is retained,” Ms O’Connor said.
Mercury, Monday:
Frozen gateway under threat
