Economic impact

Antarctic and Southern Ocean research requires investment in complicated and expensive logistical support. In addition to research and icebreaking vessels, specially equipped aircraft and landing facilities, permanent bases housing expeditioners and scientific facilities support the Antarctic effort. Antarctica is an expensive business. Resupplying bases (including fuel, food, medical supplies, communications, scientific and heavy equipment) is probably the single-most complex and expensive function an Antarctic program undertakes each year.

The Antarctic and Southern Ocean sector contributes more than $183 million each year to the Tasmanian economy according to a report released in November 2023. In the two years since the last review into the value of the sector (2019-20), economic benefits of Antarctic-related operations in Tasmania have increased by almost $24 million per year.

The sector, which provides research, training, and support services to the Australian Antarctic program and other Antarctic programs from around the world, now employs nearly 1000 people in Tasmania.  This constitutes an extra 322 jobs created in the last decade, a significant growth of 32 per cent in employment in the sector.

Planned investment and development means Tasmania’s Antarctic sector is only likely to see more growth in the future. A proposed Antarctic and Science Precinct on the Hobart waterfront has the potential to enhance collaboration in science and logistics and strengthen Tasmania’s position as the world’s Antarctic gateway of choice.

View the Report into the Contribution of the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Sector to the Tasmanian Economy 2021-22.