Growing Hobart’s reputation and importance as a globally recognised hub of Antarctic capability and excellence as an international gateway to the Antarctic and Southern Ocean remains a primary focus for the Tasmanian Government.
Delegates from Hobart, Tasmania, Punta Arenas, Chile, Ushuaia, Argentina, Christchurch, New Zealand and Cape Town, South Africa have been in Hobart attending the Annual General Meeting of the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP).
Yesterday representatives from the five internationally recognised “Antarctic gateway cities” met with me to explore the significant role the gateways cities play in supporting activity in the frozen continent.
“Gateway cities play a key role in facilitating and supporting crucial scientific activity in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean,” Minister Barnett said.
“Areas of interest to the gateway cities delegates included logistics, infrastructure, community education and engagement and science and research. The discussion touched on shared concerns over future workforce development, developing local community’s connection to Antarctica and urgent needs to develop renewable energy solutions for national Antarctic programs.
“One of the emerging topics of interest is the participation of women, gender, equity and diversity in Antarctic workplaces, and the five gateways voiced their commitment to contribute positively to this issue.
“The Rockliff Liberal Government released the Tasmanian Antarctic Gateway Strategy 2022-27 in November 2022. The Antarctic and Southern Ocean sector currently delivers about $160 million of direct economic benefit to Tasmania and employs close to 1000 Tasmanians.
“The sector’s small and medium enterprises are manufacturing highly specialised goods and equipment for extreme environments and services ranging across shipping, aviation, logistics and specialised advice and consulting.”
Minister Guy Barnett said that the group of five gateways agreed to develop a program of shared actions and engagement to continue their positive collaboration.
