Antarctic Science Strategic Plan includes $2.8 billion worth of projects

A huge chunk of federal funding has been set aside for Australia’s new icebreaker as part of a 10-year-plan for Antarctic science. Find out more about the cash splash.

THE Federal Government will today release a 10-year-plan for Australian Antarctic science it says will highlight the nation’s role as a leader in the field.

The Antarctic Science Strategic Plan to be released by the Federal Government takes in $2.8 billion worth of projects.

Australia’s new icebreaker RSV Nuyina accounts for $1.9 billion of the funding.

The funding also includes $450 million to upgrade Antarctic research stations, $77 million to investigate, design and undertake environmental assessments for a year-round aerodrome near Davis research station, $50 million for a new research station on Macquarie Island and $45 million to develop overland traverse capabilities to support the search for a million year ice core.

RSV Nuyina. Supplied: DAMEN DMS AAD

Environment Minister Sussan Ley said the knowledge gained from Antarctic research had a direct bearing on everyday life in Australia and the world.

“The work of our Antarctic scientists is informing us about weather patterns, ocean circulation and the response of ecosystems to a changing environment,” Ms Ley said.

She said the Australian Antarctic Division in Hobart would continue building on Tasmania’s international standing as an Antarctic science research hub and gateway to the icy continent, co-ordinating with research institutions around the country to deliver world leading science.

Last week’s announcement of new Antarctic research funding was criticised by the University of Tasmania and the Greens as undermining Tasmania’s place as the Antarctic gateway.

COVID-19 resulted in the 2020-21 Antarctic researchers’ summer season being scaled back, with the focus shifting to automated science data collection.