www.antarctictasmania.com Developing Tasmania s Antarctic Sector A vibrant industry in a global market October 2011
Tasmania has a proud history of supporting Antarctic expeditions and research. The people of Tasmania have a strong emotional connection to Antarctica, fostered by a century of assisting explorers and scientists on their expeditions. We value our role as a part of the Antarctic story. The Antarctic sector is a priority area in the Tasmanian Government s Economic Development Plan, with potential for sustained growth. Our geographic location means Tasmania is a natural Antarctic gateway, but we have other significant competitive advantages too. The sector is well-organised and works collaboratively; we have a cluster of businesses with cold-climate expertise and the largest concentration of Antarctic and Southern Ocean researchers and institutions anywhere in the world. These qualities together with the commitment of the sector to work together for the benefit of Tasmania make me optimistic for the future. This plan has been developed by the sector for the sector. It provides a significant springboard to further promote Hobart as a global headquarters for Antarctic policy and science with unique strategic advantages. Let s make it happen. David O Byrne Minister for Economic Development Minister for Innovation and Technology Minister for Infrastructure
Tasmania, international gateway Tasmania is the powerhouse driving Australia s activities in Antarctica, the sub-antarctic islands and the Southern Ocean (the sector). It is the preferred location for Australia s assets relating to the sector, with more than 830 Tasmanians employed in science, research and polar support activities. A unique government-private sector coalition, the Tasmanian Polar Network (TPN), works collaboratively to expand sector-related business. Hobart is recognised around the world as one of five Antarctic gateway cities, with direct air and sea access to East Antarctica where stations are operated by Australia and nine other nations. The city is 2 575 km from the Antarctic mainland and 3 429 km from Australia s Casey Station. Summer flights link Hobart International Airport to Antarctica. Hobart is the permanent operational home for the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) and home port for the Australian ships Aurora Australis and Southern Surveyor. The French Antarctic organisation, L Institut Polaire Français Paul-Emile Victor, has had a presence in the city for more than 30 years, with its expeditionary vessel l Astrolabe using the port as its summer base. TasPorts is investing more than $7 million in a major refurbishment of Macquarie Wharf No. 2 Shed to better accommodate polar vessels and cruise ships, including those visiting Antarctica. Photograph by Tony Lomas The sector s unique qualities underpin a strategic and comprehensive plan to maximise the sector s strong competitive advantages. Initiatives identified through consultations with sector stakeholders are brought together in this plan entitled Developing Tasmania s Antarctic Sector: A vibrant industry in a global market, which will secure and strengthen Hobart s status as an international Antarctic gateway. With determined and collaborative commitment from all stakeholders, this plan will deliver the outcomes below over the next 10 to 15 years. These outcomes are focused on the areas where Tasmania has globally competitive advantages and where there is the greatest potential for the sector s development: expanded global recognition of Hobart s standing as the pre-eminent Antarctic gateway city creation of a critical mass of scientific and research capability that will be unsurpassed anywhere in the world growth of 50 per cent in locally based sector expertise confirmation that Tasmanian-supported institutions in the sector practise the highest levels of environmental stewardship and responsibility. These outcomes will create wealth for Tasmania through fulfilling employment and new and expanded business opportunities. Developing Tasmania s Antarctic Sector 1
Australia s Antarctic hub Hobart boasts a world-class array of Antarctic, Southern Ocean and climate-research institutions, including: the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation s (CSIRO) Marine and Atmospheric Research (CMAR) the Antarctic and Climate Ecosystems Cooperative Research Centre (ACE CRC). Along with the recently established Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) and the nationally important Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS), Hobart also hosts the international secretariats of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) and the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP). IMAS, in particular, consolidates much of Hobart s considerable sector research, expertise and knowledge into a single institution. Photograph by Grant Dixon, courtesy of Australian Antarctic Division, Commonwealth of Australia IMAS will move from the University of Tasmania (UTAS) campus to a custom-built waterfront facility in 2013. The Tasmanian Polar Network (TPN) is a collaboration between private businesses and relevant public institutions. Its members generate the majority of the sector s annual output of cold-climate goods and services worth $70 million per annum. Australia is an Antarctic Treaty Consultative Party and a key player in the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS). National policy asserts that the ATS is the best way to advance the nation s Antarctic interests and to ensure that the standing of Australia s territorial claim remains undiminished. Maintaining a presence in the region and involvement in its affairs are key policy imperatives. These depend heavily on the infrastructure support, science and research activities administered by the AAD in Tasmania. Russia, China, India, the United States, Romania, France and Italy maintain bases within the Australian Antarctic Territory (AAT). The value of this plan is that it is both a comprehensive working document and a key new publication that reaffirms Hobart as an Antarctic gateway of world significance. This plan affords Tasmania every opportunity to maximise economic benefits associated with the sector while striving to maintain its status as a region of international cooperation and scientifically managed conservation. Frances Underwood Chair, Tasmanian Antarctic Gateway Working Group 2 Developing Tasmania s Antarctic Sector
It is with a great deal of pleasure that I personally endorse this plan. As the Council has a keen interest in the part that Hobart plays as the Australian Antarctic gateway, it believes this state has a great opportunity to grow the business to the betterment of our state, bringing Tasmania further into focus on the international stage with respect to the Antarctic and sub-antarctic regions. I wish the Government well as it continues to plan for the growth of this sector into the future. Rob Valentine Lord Mayor of Hobart Tasmania s Antarctic and Southern Ocean sector vision The sector: acknowledges Australia s deep historical, legal, geo-political and environmental interests in the Antarctic, sub-antarctic and Southern Ocean region recognises Tasmania s close geographic proximity to the region notes Hobart s globally important concentration of research, scientific and logistical-support institutions with Antarctic and Southern Ocean connections. The sector will: optimise economic, scientific, research and other opportunities for Tasmania in the Antarctic, sub-antarctic and Southern Ocean maintain peace and cooperation in the region to ensure that it remains free of international discord and continues to be used for peaceful purposes preserve and conserve the region s environment and living resources. Photograph Todor Iolovski, courtesy of Australian Antarctic Division Developing Tasmania s Antarctic Sector 3
Economic opportunities Geographic proximity, history and national interest make Tasmania a natural place to do Antarctic business. The state capital, Hobart, is a harbour city where brightly painted icebreakers tie up and expeditions are mounted. Many Heroic Era explorers sailed south from this beautiful port. The relationship between Tasmanians and the polar region has been built through decades of cooperation, exploration, research, provisioning and support work. The sector s wide-ranging activities are important to the state economy and contribute to Hobart s special character. Research is the primary sector activity on which all else is dependent. The other main economic components are: logistics and supply support activities Photograph by Tony Lomas commercial activities in the region including tourism and fishing sector-related activities with flow-on economic or other benefits. Economically significant activities include supply of equipment, materials, consumables, services and expert labour. More than 600 scientists are among the 830 professionals involved in the sector s day-to-day work in Hobart. Other commercial activities encompass fishing, tourism, biological prospecting and various retail operations. The Antarctic sector is an integral part of Tasmanian society and history which is making a significant contribution to the Tasmanian economy. Further developing that resource has the potential to convert it into a major Tasmanian industry with very substantial long term economic and social benefits for Tasmania. Sir Guy Green Honorary Antarctic Ambassador for Tasmania 4 Developing Tasmania s Antarctic Sector
TasPorts is committed to fostering Antarctic operations in Hobart and will develop a prime waterfront facility, Macquarie Wharf Shed No. 2 Shed, as a dedicated facility for Antarctic and cruise logistics. TasPorts has been working with customers, stakeholders and government to inform preliminary designs for the facility, which will provide a multifaceted hub for Antarctic activities and opportunities. Paul Weedon CEO, TasPorts Photograph by Judy Chappell, Australian Antarctic Division, Commonwealth of Australia Photograph by Tony Lomas The sector s flow-on benefits for Tasmania are largely associated with the investment by entities involved in scientific research, cultural activities, education (including training) and governance matters. Additional wealth is generated through on-going promotion of Australian Antarctic interests through international bodies located in Hobart; the hosting of conferences and meetings including the annual CCAMLR meeting; and continuing mobilisation of public interest in Antarctica. Important occasional meetings include those of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO), Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) and Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP). Building on existing relationships, particularly those with the AAD and the French Antarctic program, will generate economic growth. There is also potential to expand links with other East Antarctic nations and to forge new links with countries involved in, or considering involvement in, the region. Hobart will seek to position itself as a centre of excellence and collaboration interacting with countries such as China, Romania, Russia, Japan, India, the United States of America, New Zealand, Italy and Korea. For many of these Antarctic partners Hobart will be the preferred supply base for all Antarctic-related goods and services. While the potential for new participants to set up operations in East Antarctica remains uncertain, the incremental growth of established programs is expected to gather pace as economic conditions improve. This recovery would be stimulated further by improved logistic capability and reliability, including promotion of Hobart s inter-continental air link. The Antarctic Centennial Year (ACY), launched in May 2011, celebrates Tasmania s enduring endeavours in the Antarctic. The ACY will continue until June 2012, creating an unprecedented opportunity to promote Hobart s Antarctic gateway role to the world. Hobart s staging of CCAMLR s thirtieth annual meeting in 2011 and the impending 35th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting in 2012 stand out as immediately noteworthy events. Developing Tasmania s Antarctic Sector 5
Initiatives This plan flows from the sector vision and was facilitated by Antarctic Tasmania, Science and Research (ATSR), a business unit attached to the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and the Arts. It is built on significant collaborative input from the sector s diverse contributors and charts a path to maximise the sector s economic and other opportunities to benefit Tasmania. Key sector initiatives will: further develop the Antarctic air link refurbish Macquarie Wharf No. 2 Shed to provide new accommodation for the AAD and French Antarctic programs and an international cruise ship terminal remediate relevant port wharf areas to better service and supply other Antarctic programs Courtesy of William Adams increase polar shipping capacity through replacement of the AAD s icebreaker Aurora Australis and CSIRO s Southern Surveyor build Tasmania s capacity and reputation as a centre for Antarctic skills development and education and promote Antarctic careers further develop Hobart s role as an international centre for Antarctic and Southern Ocean research programs comprehensively brand and promote Tasmanian polar capabilities raise awareness of Hobart as an Antarctic gateway increase the opportunities for Tasmanian suppliers to take up AAD provisioning maximise opportunities for Tasmanian businesses arising from the replacement of Antarctic vessels by international Antarctic organisations Developing Tasmania s Antarctic Sector provides a well thought out road map for the future of the sector. Industry will embrace this plan to ensure that the full benefits are realised for the state. John Brennan Chair, Tasmanian Polar Network 6 Developing Tasmania s Antarctic Sector
For over 30 years the Australian Antarctic Division has enjoyed a warm and beneficial relationship with the Tasmanian community. Tasmania is home to our nearly 300 ongoing employees and the main gateway for expeditioners heading for Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. The Antarctic Division also derives significant operational and scientific support from Tasmanian businesses and organisations. The continuing support of the government and people of Tasmania is crucial to our future success. Dr Tony Fleming Director, Australian Antarctic Division Photograph by Tony Lomas Courtesy of the Bureau of Meteorology maximise opportunities for Tasmanian businesses arising from the potential refurbishment of Australian and French Antarctic bases leverage existing Tasmanian maritime and polar capability to win additional business with other polar nations explore opportunities arising from growth in collaborative research and logistics programs with the other East Antarctic nations, other cold-climate activities and the use of Hobart as an Antarctic transit point build Antarctic tourism opportunities grow the number of Antarctic-based events and conferences hosted in Hobart maximise Tasmania s promotion and networking opportunities arising from Antarctic-related conferences and events develop Hobart as the international best practice centre for Antarctic waste management identify and maximise commercialisation opportunities arising from Antarctic and Southern Ocean research attract additional East Antarctic nations to Hobart exploit the opportunities presented by the extension of Australia s maritime boundaries. This plan attaches a set of specific actions to each of these initiatives, along with priority ratings. It also identifies the agency or agencies with lead responsibility for each action. These details are provided in the working document in the cover pocket. The action plan has been designed for easy updating as actions are completed, or new priorities arise. An electronic version is available at www.development.tas.gov.au/antarctic and will be kept updated. The plan s anticipated outcomes will fall within Tasmania s broader planning frameworks including the Economic Development Plan 2011 and the Science and Research Sector Strategy. The Economic Development Plan s priorities include the promotion of Hobart as a world-class, liveable waterfront city to support the growth and development of the port and airport and its capacity to service Australia s Antarctic research and science programs, as well as the programs of other Antarctic nations. Also included is a collaboration with TasPorts to redevelop and promote Macquarie Wharf No. 2 Shed as home to the Australian Antarctic Division and a specialist Antarctic and cruising facility. Developing Tasmania s Antarctic Sector 7
Committed stakeholders Commitment to the sector has been consistent across all levels of government and civil society. This includes the AAD, TasPorts, the Hobart City Council, Tasmanian and Australian Governments, CSIRO, UTAS, associated research institutions and the TPN. The Tasmanian Antarctic Gateway working group (TAG) is a unique sector-spanning body. TAG includes members from three levels of government, AAD, TasPorts and TPN. TAG will play a guiding role in the implementation of this plan. Call to action Although this plan was prepared by the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and the Arts, it will not be effective if it is seen solely as a blueprint for government action. This plan s preparation was a cooperative endeavour. Further creative input and commitment from the sector s diverse contributors is essential to this plan s effective implementation, so that its benefits can be spread across the sector during the coming decade. This high level of community commitment ideally positions Tasmanian businesses and institutions to consolidate, develop and grow their capabilities, as well as their reputations. Acknowledgement: Developing Tasmania s Antarctic: A vibrant industry in a global market has been developed from research undertaken by the AEC Group Limited. Photo credits for the front cover: a a Photography by Tony Lomas b Photograph by unknown, Australian Antarctic Division, Commonwealth of Australia c and d Photograph Todor Iolovski, courtesy Australian Antarctic Division b c d 8 Developing Tasmania s Antarctic Sector
Photography by Colin Jenkinson, courtesy of Australian Antarctic Division
Contact Antarctic Tasmania, Science and Research Department of Economic Development, Tourism and the Arts GPO Box 646 Hobart TAS 7001 Email: Antarctic@development.tas.gov.au Web: www.antarctictasmania.com