The Tasmanian Greens welcome the Federal government’s commitment to fund $188 million in wharf upgrades to allow the Antarctic icebreaker RSV Nuyina to berth and ultimately refuel in nipaluna/Hobart. But questions remain over whether the project will be delivered on time and on budget, given the Liberal government and TasPorts’ recent infrastructure failures.
lutruwita/Tasmania has a vital role as the home of the Australian Antarctic Program, and the important environmental and climate science that is done through it. We must ensure that lutruwita/Tasmania continues to play an important part in Antarctic science as the gateway this region.
The redirection of the Nuyina to refuel in Burnie significantly increased costs for the Antarctic science program, in a time of climate emergency, when all funds should have been devoted towards necessary science. TasPorts have delayed the redevelopment to berth 6 that would allow the Nuyina to refuel in nipaluna/Hobart, being accused of price gouging during negotiations with the Australian government.
Questions remain over the management of the project, given TasPorts’ recent failures to deliver the upgrades needed to the nipaluna/Hobart wharf and berths for the new Spirit of Tasmania. Given their recent stuff ups, how can Tasmanians have the confidence they can deliver the vital port infrastructure needed for lutruwita/Tasmania to remain the gateway to Antarctica?
The Premier as Minister for Infrastructure must keep a close eye on TasPorts to ensure they deliver the port upgrades for the Nuyina on time and on budget. The Liberal Government must ensure Tasmanians do not foot the bill for another infrastructure cost blowout.
