It’s what we need, says Gutwein

MOVING the city’s major scientific organisations to Macquarie Point will be a huge boost for Hobart’s aspirations as the nation’s gateway to Antarctica, the State Government says.

Minister for State Growth Peter Gutwein said the Senate inquiry report handed down yesterday offered great opportunities for Hobart.

“Macquarie Point has the potential to become a worldleading science hub, which would unlock significant investment and create jobs,” he said.

“The Hodgman Government is working closely with the Federal Government, local government, the Tasmanian Polar Network and the Macquarie Point Development Corporation to see an Antarctic and Science Precinct developed at Macquarie Point.”

Mr Gutwein also confirmed he was “working through” with Canberra the opportunities for developing the Federal Government-owned Castray Esplanade site where the CSIRO is currently based.

“Last month, [Federal] Minister [for Urban Infrastructure and Cities Michael] Fletcher and I jointly wrote to the Federal Minister for Environment and Energy, Josh Frydenberg and the Minister for Jobs and Innovation, Senator Michaelia Cash, as the ministers responsible for the CSIRO and the AAD, regarding the opportunity to create an Antarctic and science hub at Macquarie Point and I will continue to discuss this option with the Federal Government,” Mr Gutwein said.

Macquarie Point Development Corporation CEO Mary Massina said the report offered a great opportunity for Hobart.

“Mac Point is ideally positioned adjacent to Hobart’s deep water port and is one of the last remaining vacant urban landfill sites located beside a working port in an Australian capital city,” she said.

“The precinct aims to bring together the world’s leading scientists, researchers, innovators, thinkers, and creative minds in one community.”