TasPorts is “ready to commence work” on the construction of an upgraded Macquarie Wharf 6 in Hobart, following confirmation the port will continue to serve as Australia’s gateway to the Antarctic.
The wharf will be built with $188 million from the Australian Government and will house the RSV Nuyina, a state-of-the-art research vessel, for the next 30 years.
TasPorts chief executive Anthony Donald said the company has a “dedicated project team” in place to deliver the modern infrastructure needed to support exploration and research in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean.
“TasPorts has a strong commitment to work with its customers to deliver the level of infrastructure required and this agreement allows TasPorts to deliver world-class infrastructure for a world-class industry,” he said.
“We look forward to getting on with the job and transforming Mac 6 into a long-term home for Nuyina.”
The agreement also includes a contribution from the Tasmanian Government towards refuelling infrastructure for the Nuyina and other vessels in Hobart.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the project funding estimates have been “properly done” in partnership with TasPorts and both the state and federal governments.
“We want to make sure this is got right. That is why we’ve spent the time making sure that today’s announcement is ready to go,” he said.
Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek said the project represents “great value for taxpayers” and is better value for money than previous $515 million estimates.
“We did think the initial proposal for TasPorts was too expensive. It was not good value at that time,” she said.
“We’ve come to an arrangement with TasPorts that I’m very excited about.”
