‘Concerning’: Western Australia interested in snagging Australian Antarctic Program from Tasmania

The WA Ports Minister’s indication that the resource-rich state is interested in pinching the Australian Antarctic Program from Tasmania has been described as “particularly concerning”.

Tasmanian Polar Network chair Richard Fader is concerned about comments made by the WA Ports Minister David Michael in which he indicated the state government was interested in snagging the Australian Antarctic Program.

Political grandstanding has “compromised” high-level negotiations over upgrades to Macquarie Wharf, the peak body for the Tasmanian Antarctic sector says, as it voices alarm over the Western Australian government’s open interest in snagging the Australian Antarctic Program (AAP) for itself.

The port of Fremantle has previously been held up as a potential alternative base for the nation’s flagship icebreaker, RSV Nuyina, amid ongoing refuelling and berthing issues for the vessel in Hobart.

WA Ports Minister David Michael said the state government was hoping to discuss options for the AAP with federal Environment and Water Minister Tanya Plibersek.

WA Minister David Michael (Ports, Local Government, Road Safety). Picture: NCA NewsWire /Philip Gostelow

“We look forward to any approach from the federal government in relation to future arrangements for the Australian Antarctic Program,” he said.

Ms Plibersek was contacted for comment.

WA’s intervention comes after Ms Plibersek wrote to Premier Jeremy Rockliff last week, complaining that TasPorts was asking the Commonwealth for $515m for critical upgrades to the ageing Macquarie Wharf.

She signalled that Hobart’s status as Australia’s gateway to Antarctica could be at risk if the impasse was not resolved soon.

Minister for Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek during Question Time at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

The redevelopment of Wharf 6, which accommodates the Nuyina, is seen as particularly crucial for the AAP.

The Tasmanian Antarctic sector is worth more than $180m to the state and employs about 1000 people.

The Australian Antarctic Division recently signed a lease to remain at its Kingston headquarters for a further decade.

Tasmanian Polar Network chair Richard Fader said it had become clear that “politics have begun to compromise” the Macquarie Wharf negotiations and that a deal needed to be inked “without further delay”.

RSV Nuyina in Hobart. Picture: Chris Kidd

“To not have an agreement with the Commonwealth for berthing Nuyina puts … significant business for the state at risk,” he said.

Mr Fader said the comments from the WA Ports Minister were “particularly concerning”.

“Western Australia has incredible financial resources to support government programs and Tasmania would be unable to compete with any offer they may make,” he said.

Liberal Senator Jonathon Duniam speaks to the media on Parliament Lawns in Hobart.

Clark Greens MP Helen Burnet said Mr Rockliff’s “obstinate pursuit” of a stadium at Macquarie Point came at the expense of desperately needed infrastructure upgrades at the Port of Hobart.

The Premier told state parliament on Thursday that he would be meeting with Ms Plibersek “in coming days” to discuss the wharf redevelopment.

“My expectation when I meet the federal minister is that the federal minister puts aside the politics and actually comes to the table for a mature discussion,” he said.

Tasmanian Liberal senator Jonathon Duniam, who is also the Coalition’s spokesman for the environment, fisheries and forestry, said the loss of the AAP was “not an option” and blamed federal Labor for putting “Hobart on the chopping block”.