The Australian Academy of Science welcomes the federal government’s announcement to proceed with the procurement of a new icebreaker to be crewed and based in Hobart.
The new icebreaker will replace the Australian Antarctic Division’s current chartered vessel, the Aurora Australis which was built in 1989.
Federal environment minister Greg Hunt said the new icebreaker 'will be able to conduct deep-sea Southern Ocean research and sea-ice experiments, as well as deliver critical fuel and cargo to Australian stations.'
In a submission earlier this year, the Academy said greater investment in Antarctic research capacity was vital to Australia's strategic claim in the region. It also recommended the replacement of the Aurora Australis to make year-round access to the Australian Antarctic Territory possible.
'Physical access to Antarctica has been a bottleneck that inhibits scientists from making research trips … Replacement of the Aurora Australis with a new icebreaker will significantly improve this situation,' the submission said.
The federal budget earlier this month announced $24 million to establish the Antarctic Gateway Partnership and $38 million for the expansion of Hobart airport to make it useable for Antarctic traffic. But the expenditure on Australia’s Antarctic program is set to fall by 26% between this financial year and 2017-18.
The new icebreaker is expected to be ready for operation in late 2019.
© 2024 Australian Academy of Science
