Hobart’s welcome mat to the world

HOBART’S port system and airport should be used as a regular base for other nations’ Antarctic programs when they visit the state, a Federal Government inquiry has found.

The State Government told the committee that Antarctic vessels from France, the US, South Korea and China visited Hobart, with Japan also making occasional visits, with each visit worth up to $1.5 million to the state.

The committee has recommended both the State and Federal Governments work with international Antarctic programs that have, or seek to have, a presence in Hobart to ensure their requirements are met through infrastructure and services.

TasPorts chief executive Paul Weedon told the committee the construction of berth and mooring infrastructure, related warehouse capacity, quarantine services, fuel and shore power were all under development.

The investments are being made ahead of the arrival of Australia’s new Antarctic icebreaker, the RSV Nuyina, in Hobart in 2020.

The infrastructure includes: new and permanent port infrastructure, improved cargo storage and biosecurity options for Antarctic operations and a $6-$8 million fuel barge to refuel ships rather than travelling under the Tasman Bridge and to Self’s Point.

“There are a number of vessels, such as those operated by the United States, that are too large to pass under the bridge,” the report said.

The committee recommended the Federal Government considered assisting TasPorts’ funding of a fuel barge to make it a viable plan.

TasPorts will release its 10-15 year master plan for ports across the state next month.

Hobart Airport suggested during the inquiry that its runway extension would further develop the city into an international Antarctic hub and offer aircraft from Antarctic programs in China, India and elsewhere the chance to base themselves there.