The Albanese Government has taken a major step towards strengthening Australia's presence in Antarctica, with the signing of contracts for critical infrastructure works at Davis station.
Davis is Australia's most southerly Antarctic station and experiences several weeks of total darkness every winter.
The significant works will greatly improve water and power services at the site, allowing the station to operate at its full capacity of up to 88 expeditioners.
Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt said the work will make Davis station a safer, more comfortable and more energy efficient place to live and work.
"This will ensure that Davis station will be better equipped to support the critical Antarctic science being carried out by Australia's world-renowned researchers," Minister Watt said.
"It will also keep Australian Antarctic expeditioners safe and comfortable, during the long stints they spend so far away from family and friends."
In November 2026, work will start on a new reverse osmosis plant, which will increase the station's water supply. This will replace the existing one and will also incorporate a new seawater intake.
Davis makes around 1.5 million litres of its own water every year and another 250,000 litres is shipped in on RSV Nuyina.
In summer, drinking water is produced by pumping water from a high-saline tarn near the station into a reverse osmosis (RO) - or desalination - plant. But in winter that tarn freezes over, forcing the station to rely on stored water. Once the works are complete, salt water will be pumped out of the ocean and heated before it's sent to the RO plants to be turned into drinking water.
A new utilities building will also be constructed, to house the main powerhouse, trades and mechanical workshops. The old buildings will be dismantled and returned to Australia.
The infrastructure program is expected to take seven years to complete and will take up to 30 extra tradespeople to Davis every season to complete the works.
"The Albanese Government is investing in Australia's Antarctic future," Minister Watt said.
"These works will strengthen Australia's science, presence and leadership in Antarctica.
"We're working with leading Australian and international firms to deliver the best possible result for the Australian Antarctic Program."
The Australian Antarctic Division, of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, has entered an agreement with a construction and design consortium to deliver the ambitious works program, known as the Antarctic Infrastructure Renewal (AIR) Alliance.
Along with the AAD, the AIR Alliance comprises Bouygues Construction Australia, Stantec and Mott McDonald, which were chosen through a multi-stage, open tender process.
All works will be subject to rigorous environmental approvals as per the Antarctic Treaty (Environment Protection) Act 1980 (Cth) and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
