Australia has always played
a unique role in connecting Antarctica and the unknown opportunity the
continent possesses with the rest on the world.
Greater Hobart is now set
to benefit from the opportunities the Antarctic and the Southern Ocean present
with the Federal and Tasmanian Governments and the Clarence, Glenorchy, Hobart
and Kingborough councils come together in support of a City Deal designed to
build a shared 10 year vision.
The Hobart City Deal will
encompass several major development and infrastructure projects including an investment
into border services to support international flights at Hobart Airport; the
replacement of Bridgewater Bridge; investment into a range of measures to
reduce congestion; increasing supply of affordable housing; and the realisation
of Macquarie Point as a world class science, tourism, culture and arts hub.
Property Council of Tasmania Executive Director Brian
Wightman, said the City
Deal will create a multitude of opportunities for Tasmanian businesses.
“The power of a City Deal
comes when the policies and actions of each level of government are aligned. It
is encouraging to see the all levels of government coming together to drive and
support the growth of Hobart,” said Mr Wightman.
A major focus of the deal draws
on Hobart’s unique role as a port city to the Southern Ocean, with a significant
investment to be made in the ports and waterfront areas over the lifetime of
the deal.
A proposed Antarctic and
Science precinct at Macquarie Point is set to build on the existing investment
in Antarctic infrastructure. The investment includes a partnership with
TasPorts to ensure the port facilities can support the $1.9 billion icebreaker,
RSV Nuyina, due to be delivered in 2020 and other international Antarctic
missions.
In addition, more than $450
million in additional capital expenditure will be spent on Antarctic research
stations over the life of the City Deal. “The investment in port infrastructure
will undoubtably drive employment opportunities and support a broader
investment in infrastructure,” said Mr Wightman.
“Redeveloping Macquarie
Point will unlock the broader potential of the Hobart waterfront and city
centre making Hobart not only a gateway to Antarctica, but also the leading
cultural, scientific and educational precinct for Antarctica in Australia.”
