A Senate inquiry is looking at funding cuts to the Australian Antarctic Division
The state government is working on a solution to allow Nuyina to refuel in Hobart, a Senate inquiry has been told.
Tasmania
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The state government is considering a proposal for a fuel barge to service the Port of Hobart, not only to solve the icebreaker Nuyina’s refuelling dilemma, but to expand the city’s shipping industry.
The government’s efforts to keep the Nuyina in Hobart were outlined in a submission to a Senate inquiry into Antarctic funding.
The Standing Committees on Environment and Communications is examining the funding of the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD), with particular reference to revelations that the AAD was pursuing cuts worth roughly 16 per cent of its operating budget.
The inquiry is looking at a range of implications, including the impacts on jobs and Australia’s international commitments and obligations.
Tasmanian stakeholders making submissions included the state government, TasPorts, the University of Tasmania and the Tasmanian Polar Network.
All emphasised the importance of Antarctic science to Hobart, along with the negative impacts funding cuts would have on the economy and scientific community.
Last month Hobart’s Antarctic role was dealt a blow when the 160m-long research vessel was been denied permission by TasPorts to refuel at Selfs Point because it was deemed unsafe to travel under the Tasman Bridge.
Instead, Nuyina will have to travel hundreds of kilometres, over four days, to refuel at the Port of Burnie.
In a submission to the Antarctic funding inquiry, the state government said it was working on a solution.
“The Tasmanian Government is currently examining a proposal for a fuel barge to service the maritime needs of the Port of Hobart. A fuel barge would allow for vessels to refuel at the Port of Hobart without the need transit under the Tasman Bridge, which is a limiting factor for larger vessels,” the submission said.
“Evidence suggests that a fuel barge has the potential to attract new port users, optimise existing port efficiencies and bring with it broader economic and social benefits. This is further supported by the increase in activity associated with Antarctic and Southern Ocean research and other prospective opportunities linked to tourism and defence.”
TasPorts’ submission said it was committed to delivering on the Australian Government’s immediate priority being the upgrade of Wharf 6 to provide the RSV Nuyina with a working wharf throughout the season and lay-up berth when not at sea.
In terms of budget cuts, the University of Tasmania said researchers were already reporting significant problems undertaking Antarctic fieldwork both on the continent and at sea.
“Any further budget challenges will not only exacerbate this but may make certain research areas untenable,” the UTas submission said.
The Tasmanian Polar Network said the Antarctic Science and Southern Ocean sector contributes around $159m to the state’s economy.
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