Hobart Airport the operations base for new Antarctic runway

THE Federal Government will build the first paved runway in Antarctica to provide year-round access to the frozen continent for the nation’s scientific program.

THE Federal Government will build the first paved runway in Antarctica to provide year-round access to the frozen continent for the nation’s scientific program.

In a major boost to Tasmania’s status as a hub for Antarctic flights, Hobart Airport will be the base for operations to the new runway.

Energy and Environment Minister Josh Frydenberg and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop made the announcement overnight.

The announcement coincides with the annual Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting in Buenos Aires.

The runway will be built near Australia’s Davis Station, 4800km southwest of Hobart, and will complement the existing Wilkins Ice Runway near Casey, which has been operational since 2008.

An A319 at Wilkins Runway, near Casey research station. Picture: Chris Crerar/Australian Antarctic Division

Mr Frydenberg said the new runway would open up year-round air access to the Australian Antarctic Territory.

“Access to Antarctica in winter is difficult and rare, with temperatures dropping to -40C at Davis Station,” he said.

“The new runway will provide more reliable access to Antarctica throughout the year, improving our ability to conduct year-round, world-class scientific research and respond to emergencies.

“The establishment of the permanent link between Hobart and Antarctica will enhance Hobart’s role as a gateway to East Antarctica, making it a more attractive destination for Antarctic nations to base their operations in Tasmania.”

The cost of the new runway — estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars — will be determined through a detailed business case. Planning for the runway and preliminary site investigations have cost $10 million to date.

Mr Frydenberg said the project will be subject to environmental and other government approval processes.

Australia’s Davis research station in summer. Picture: Darryl Seidel/Australian Antarctic Division

Australia claims 42 per cent of the Antarctic continent. A recent uptick in Australian involvement in Antarctica comes at the same time China steps up its interest in the continent.

The runway announcement is in addition to the 2020 arrival of the new $1.9 billion icebreaker RSV Nuyina — which will replace the existing Aurora Australis and $107 million in additional funding over 11 years in the Federal Budget.

MORE: RSV NUYINA TAKING SHAPE

“Antarctica is a unique place and has a special significance for Australians. We have a proud legacy of Australian Antarctic leadership and science — from the heroic era of Sir Douglas Mawson through to our modern expeditioners,” Mr Frydenberg said.

“Australia is a strong supporter of the Antarctic Treaty system and the runway will support our international partnerships.”