Tasmania’s Antarctic sector brings in more than $183 million to the State’s economy each year, according to a report released by the Department of State Growth today.
Premier and Minister for State Development, Trade and the Antarctic, Jeremy Rockliff said this is almost $24 million more than the industry injected into our economy in the previous year.
“Tasmania’s strong scientific, logistics, advanced manufacturing and technological capabilities, together with Hobart’s port and airport infrastructure, makes us a natural hub of Antarctic activity,” the Premier said.
“The sector also continues to support and create jobs, with the workforce growing by 32 per cent in the past decade.
“These findings demonstrate the strength of the State’s contribution to Australia’s national Antarctic capability and cements Tasmania’s position as a world-leading gateway to Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.”
The Tasmanian Liberal Government is delivering on its long-term plan to invest and develop the Antarctic sector, turning it into a key contributor to the economy.
“This includes the establishment of the Antarctic Women’s Network and its inaugural talk series, which I was honoured to officially launch today,” Premier Rockliff said.
Recently retired from the Australian Antarctic Division, Professor Dana Berstrom was today’s guest speaker.
“This Network has a clear goal of supporting and promoting the role of women in the Antarctic sector, which is a key delivery of the Tasmanian Liberal Government’s Tasmanian Antarctic Gateway Strategy,” Premier Rockliff said.
“Women have played an important and growing role in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean sector, and this role has been ever expanding.
“We welcome the Network and the role it can play in attracting more women into the workplace, as well as providing support and guidance for female leaders in the industry.”
Tasmania is one of only five recognised gateway cities to the Antarctic, playing a crucial role in ongoing research and development of the region and Southern Ocean.
The 2023-24 Antarctic season commences in October, with expeditioners from Australia and international Antarctic programs departing from Hobart.
The local sector is also supported by the Tasmanian Polar Network, a unique industry body which aims to strengthen, promote and grow Tasmania’s business, education, training and research expertise.
The contribution of the Antarctic and Southern Ocean sector to the Tasmanian economy 2021-22 report can be found here.
