Australia has always played a unique role in connecting Antarctica and the unknown opportunity the continent possesses with the rest on the world.
Greater Hobart is now set to benefit from the opportunities the Antarctic and the Southern Ocean present with the Federal and Tasmanian Governments and the Clarence, Glenorchy, Hobart and Kingborough councils come together in support of a City Deal designed to build a shared 10 year vision.
The Hobart City Deal will encompass several major development and infrastructure projects including an investment into border services to support international flights at Hobart Airport; the replacement of Bridgewater Bridge; investment into a range of measures to reduce congestion; increasing supply of affordable housing; and the realisation of Macquarie Point as a world class science, tourism, culture and arts hub.
Property Council of Tasmania Executive Director Brian Wightman, said the City Deal will create a multitude of opportunities for Tasmanian businesses.
"The power of a City Deal comes when the policies and actions of each level of government are aligned. It is encouraging to see the all levels of government coming together to drive and support the growth of Hobart," said Mr Wightman.
A major focus of the deal draws on Hobart's unique role as a port city to the Southern Ocean, with a significant investment to be made in the ports and waterfront areas over the lifetime of the deal.
A proposed Antarctic and Science precinct at Macquarie Point is set to build on the existing investment in Antarctic infrastructure. The investment includes a partnership with TasPorts to ensure the port facilities can support the $1.9 billion icebreaker, RSV Nuyina, due to be delivered in 2020 and other international Antarctic missions.
In addition, more than $450 million in additional capital expenditure will be spent on Antarctic research stations over the life of the City Deal. "The investment in port infrastructure will undoubtably drive employment opportunities and support a broader investment in infrastructure," said Mr Wightman.
"Redeveloping Macquarie Point will unlock the broader potential of the Hobart waterfront and city centre making Hobart not only a gateway to Antarctica, but also the leading cultural, scientific and educational precinct for Antarctica in Australia."
