Greater Hobart is set to benefit from the opportunities the Antarctic and the Southern Ocean present through a City Deal supported by both the federal and Tasmanian governments.
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 would open a lot 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 all levels of government coming together to drive and support the growth of Hobart,” said Wightman.
The deal highlights Hobart’s 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.
There is also a plan to build a proposed Antarctic and Science precinct at Macquarie Point 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.
Over $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 [undoubtedly] drive employment opportunities and support a broader investment in infrastructure,” said 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.”
The Clarence, Glenorchy, Hobart and Kingborough councils also expressed their support for this project.
