Antarctic runway opposed by environmentalists

Proposals for a 2.7km long ice runway at one of Australia’s Antarctic stations have received a cool reception. LATEST >>

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MORE than 1000 people have signed a petition opposing the construction of a massive runway at one of Australia’s Antarctic stations.

The federal government in 2018 announced its intention to construct Antarctica’s first paved runway near Davis research station.

The 2,700 metre runway is intended to complement Australia’s existing ice runway at Wilkins Aerodrome ad provide year-round access.

It is expected to cost around $1 billion to construct.

The runway will be almost 5,000 kilometres from Hobart, with a flight time of around six hours and be capable of handling large jets such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Airbus A330, and the Boeing C-17A Globemaster.

Proposed runway area at Davis Station, Antarctica. © Andrew Garner/Australian Antarctic Division

But the Bob Brown Foundation says the runway would have a significant environmental impact on nearby Adelie penguin and Weddell seal colonies.

Foundation Antarctic campaigner Alistair Allan said the project could not be build without massive environmental impact.

“The Australian government should be committing to protecting and minimising impacts on the continent, not creating them,” he said.

“This is but one of the opportunities for the public to express their opposition, there will be more, and we will continue to implore the government not to proceed with this disastrous proposal,” Allan said.

Dr Brown said the project should be halted.

“This outpouring of public opposition to the runway should send a clear signal to the Australian Antarctic Division, and the Australian government, that when it comes to having a concrete runway in Antarctica, Australians and the international community, say ‘no way!’.”

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