Tasmania has marked the opening of the Antarctic Season 2025–26, which was celebrated at the annual reception hosted by the City of Hobart at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery.
Minister for Small Business, Trade and Consumer Affairs, Guy Barnett, said that Tasmania continues to play a globally significant role in Antarctic and Southern Ocean research, teaching, policy, and international engagement.
"The sector contributes approximately $183 million to Tasmania's economy and employs around 1,000 Tasmanians, highlighting its critical economic and scientific importance," Minister Barnett said.
"We welcome ongoing investment by the Australian Government, including the $188 million upgrade of Macquarie Wharf 6 and the $130 million Hobart Airport improvements, which further strengthen Tasmania's position as Australia's Antarctic gateway.
"Tasmania's Antarctic Gateway Campaign, launched in August 2024, continues to promote the state's strategic capabilities, support international engagement and trade missions, and attract collaborative research programs aligned with the Antarctic Treaty.
"We also recognise the outstanding work of the Australian Antarctic Division, the Tasmanian Polar Network, and the Tasmanian Antarctic Advisory Group, whose advocacy and partnerships are creating new opportunities for Tasmanian businesses and researchers.
"We remain committed to growing our Antarctic and Southern Ocean sector, maximising economic potential, strengthening global collaborations, and ensuring safe, productive Antarctic operations for the 2025–26 season and beyond.
"We want to continue this strong work by working together to move our state forward.
"Tasmania's Antarctic Gateway is open – and the opportunities are as vast as the Southern Ocean itself."
