Tasmania celebrates 40 Years of Australian Antarctic Division in Hobart

Roger Jaensch,Minister for State Growth

2021 marks the 40th anniversary of the Australian Antarctic Division’s move to Tasmania and the establishment of Hobart as an Antarctic Gateway City in 1981.

Offering a deep-sea port, airport, and proximity to the icy continent, Tasmania was well placed to provide logistical support to people, vessels, and air carriers travelling to Antarctica.

Since then, Tasmania has grown to support the sector, establishing industries producing specialised equipment, produce, and other supplies that support Australia’s Antarctic program as well as several international partner programs.

This growth continues, with the sector contributing $229.4 million in value to the economy in 2019-20, of which $158.7 million was spent directly in Tasmania. The sector also employs nearly 950 people locally, both directly and indirectly.

With October marking the start of the Antarctic season, Hobart is set to become a hive of activity around Macquarie Point and Wharf with the deployment of supplies, equipment, and expeditioners to Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.

Supporting the Australian Antarctic Division to deliver our national Antarctic program is an honour, and provides Tasmania with an opportunity to showcase our capacity to supply quality produce and develop highly specialised equipment custom-designed for Antarctic conditions.

We thank the Australian Antarctic Division for being part of Tasmania’s community and identity, and I wish all expeditioners well for the coming season.

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