Global cash pitch for village vision

Program to seek public support

THE success of a new Antarctic science foundation funded by public donations could be the key to Tasmania’s vision to become gateway to the icy continent.

Federal Environment Minister Josh Frydenberg has launched the Antarctic Science Foundation to partner government and business with philanthropic and private individuals to further advance Antarctic research and protection efforts.

Last month, the Coalition announced plans to build the first paved runway in Antarctica at a cost estimated to be in the millions of dollars with Hobart Airport expected to be the base for operations for the new runway.

A spokeswoman for Mr Frydenberg’s office told the Mercury yesterday because the runway was an important part of any future science programs in the Antarctic, by extension so was Hobart.

However, she could not confirm whether Hobart would receive direct funding from the new foundation for infrastructure to serve those programs.

The 2017-18 Federal Budget included $13 million per year over 10 years for Antarctic science on top of a $1.9 billion investment in a new state-ofthe-art icebreaker, RSV Nuyina; $50 million for the replacement station on Macquarie Island; and $45 million for an overland traverse capability to help with the search for a million year ice core.

The Minister said the involvement of the foundation and the broader community in supporting Antarctic research had the potential to be a significant multiplier of those government funds.

The newly announced foundation has already begun advertising jobs.