Hobart Mayors call for funding of Antarctic Science Precinct

Published on 08 April 2022

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.[1]

“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. 

Doug Chipman is the Mayor of Clarence City Council, Bec Thomas is the Mayor of Glenorchy City Council, Anna Reynolds is the Lord Mayor of the City of Hobart, and Paula Wriedt is the Mayor of Kingborough Council.