Federal government pledges $180m to restore Hobart port for Antarctic research vessel Nuyina
Under the deal, the Tasmanian government will also be responsible for meeting the cost of any blowouts and delays, plus providing and funding refuelling infrastructure. (Supplied: AAD)
In short:
The Australian government has committed $188 million over four years to fund a new home port for the RSV Nuyina in Hobart.
The Tasmanian government will be responsible for meeting the cost of any blowouts and delays, plus providing and funding refuelling infrastructure.
What's next?
The Tasmanian government will also manage the construction of the wharf, which is set to begin next year.
Hobart's status as the gateway to Antarctica has been secured after the federal government agreed to fund a new home port for Australia's icebreaker, but the Tasmanian government will be on the hook for the cost of a refuelling solution.
The federal government's $188 million commitment follows years of tension and fighting between it and the state-owned company that operates Tasmania's ports.
At a press conference in Hobart today, federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek thanked the Premier for breaking the ice.
"Getting the Premier involved, really, has made all the difference to getting this project up and running, cracking through a bit of bureaucratic inertia," she said, while looking in the direction of TasPorts chief executive Anthony Donald.
The Antarctic icebreaker RSV Nuyina uses Macquarie Wharf 6 in Hobart as its base, but the aging facility is in need of a significant redevelopment.
TasPorts' original estimate for the upgrade — $515 million over 30 years — was described as "exorbitant" by Ms Plibersek.
The Nuyina has to refuel in Burnie, at the other end of Tasmania, because the ship is not allowed to sail under the Tasman Bridge, where a refeulling station is located. (ABC News: Ebony Ten Broeke)
In a letter to Premier Jeremy Rockliff in June, Ms Plibersek said it was "14 times more than what the Commonwealth currently pays" and warned the state's status as a gateway to Antarctica was under threat.
TasPorts previously suggested the cost was reflective of the Australian Antarctic Division's requirement for "detailed design works" and a "bespoke" wharf.
Tasmania to pay for refuelling solution
Now the Tasmanian and Australian governments have locked in a new agreement to build a wharf, which a Federal Government spokesperson said contained only minor adjustments to the original design.
Mr Rockliff said it was a great deal for Tasmania, while taking a dig at Western Australia which had expressed interest in becoming the base for Australia's Antarctic Program.
"Yes, Western Australia wanted to pinch our port," Mr Rockliff told reporters.
"We wouldn't let that happen."
Under the new deal, the federal government would contribute $188 million over four years for the construction of the new wharf, with the cost of leasing the wharf still to be negotiated.
The original $515 million quote included a 30-year lease.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the deal was an investment in the future of Australian science and in Tasmania.
"What this means is Tasmania will remain Australia's gateway to Antarctica, as it should be," he said.
The Tasmanian government has said it was examining ways to set up a fuel barge in Hobart by the end of the year for the Nuyina. (Supplied: AAD)
Under the deal, the state government will also be responsible for meeting the cost of any blowouts and delays, plus providing and funding refuelling infrastructure.
TasPorts barred the Nuyina from sailing under Hobart's Tasman Bridge, preventing it from accessing refuelling facilities in its home port, due to safety concerns.
It has forced the ship to instead refuel in Tasmania's north-west, adding almost a million dollars per year to its fuel bill.
In August, the Tasmanian government told a federal parliamentary inquiry it was examining ways to set up a fuel barge in Hobart by the end of the year.
This agreement confirms that delivering the solution is Tasmania's responsibility.
Tasmanian government to manage wharf construction
Ms Plibersek said it was "absolutely fantastic" to reach an agreement.
"The Antarctic and Southern Ocean sector employs nearly 1,000 people in Tasmania and contributes more than $183 million each year to the Tasmanian economy," she said.
"That's why we've contributed $188 million towards a new home for the Nuyina and it's why we have increased funding for the Australian Antarctic Division by more than half a billion since coming to government."
Mr Rockliff said the agreement secured a "fit-for-purpose" home for the Nuyina, while locking in Tasmania's future as the home of the Australian Antarctic Program.
"As part of the agreement, we will also deliver appropriate refuelling infrastructure for the Nuyina and other vessels coming into Hobart," he said.
"Tasmania has a proud heritage of supporting Antarctic and Southern Ocean endeavours, with explorers and scientists using the port of Hobart as a base for expeditions since the 19th century.
"We will continue to promote and develop our world-leading Antarctic gateway to grow jobs, maritime services, trade and investment, education, science and research, and visitor opportunities."
The Tasmanian government will manage the construction of the wharf, which is set to begin next year.
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