THE FEDERAL and Tasmanian governments have reached an agreement for a new Macquarie Wharf 6 – used as a base by icebreaker RSV Nuyina – at the Port of Hobart.
The agreement, announced on Wednesday (16 October), sees the federal government commit $188 million over four years to development of the wharf, while the Tasmanian government will manage its construction.
The state government is to provide priority access to Macquarie Wharf 6 as the home port for Nuyina for the next 30 years; continued access to existing portside facilities during the construction period and access to shoreside power.
It is also set to deliver “appropriate refuelling infrastructure” for the vessel, which is unable to sail under the Tasman Bridge to refuel at Selfs Point wharf in Hobart. Approval for this transit was withdrawn last year.
TasPorts said construction of Maquarie Wharf 6 is set due to comment in 2025.
TasPorts CEO Anthony Donald said the port operator has a dedicated project team in place and ready to start work to “deliver the modern infrastructure required to service the Antarctic and Southern Ocean exploration and research sector”.
“With an agreement reached to develop a new, fit-for-purpose wharf to house the RSV Nuyina for the next 30 years, the Port of Hobart is secured as the gateway to the Antarctic and Southern Ocean,” Mr Donald said.
“TasPorts has a strong commitment to work with its customers to deliver the level of infrastructure required and this agreement allows TasPorts to deliver world-class infrastructure for a world-class industry.
“We look forward to getting on with the job and transforming Mac 6 into a long-term home for Nuyina.”
A joint statement between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Tasmanian premier Jeremy Rockliff described the agreement as securing the future of the Australian Antarctic Program.
“What this means is Tasmania will remain Australia’s gateway to Antarctica, as it should be,” Mr Albanese said.
“This is an investment in Hobart, an investment in Tasmania and an investment in the future of Australian science.”
Nuyina is currently on its way to Antarctica, having departed Hobart last week for a six-week resupply voyage to Davis research station. The voyage marks the start of Australia’s Antarctic season.
The ship has 100 expeditioners on board, two helicopters and a “hot pink Antarctic tractor” according to the Australian Antarctic Program. It is also carrying 240,000 litres of water, 13 tonnes of dry food and more than 20 tonnes of fresh and frozen food.
AAP expects the journey south to take 15 days and require the ship to break ice for the last nine or ten kilometres.
