The Western Australian government has signalled its interest in Australia's Antarctic Program amid an ongoing stoush between the Tasmanian and federal governments over the future base of Australia's national icebreaker.
The RSV Nuyina currently uses Hobart as its home port, but federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek last week said the dispute had put the city's status as an Antarctic gateway at risk.
In a leaked letter sent to Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff, Ms Plibersek raised concerns about the "exorbitant cost" of redeveloping aging facilities at Macquarie Wharf 6, where the ship docks.
She said the state-owned company TasPorts estimated the upgrades would amount to $515 million over 30 years — 14 times the current cost paid by the Commonwealth to berth the Nuyina there.
While she said she remained committed to basing Australia's Antarctic program in Hobart, Ms Plibersek warned the stalled negotiations over long-term access to the wharf were undermining those intentions.
"As an agreement with TasPorts is not currently possible, I seek your intervention and ongoing support to ensure that we can finalise negotiations on long-term arrangements for RSV Nuyina and the Australian Antarctic Program so they continue to be based in Hobart," Ms Plibersek wrote.
Today, WA Ports Minister David Michael said he would be open to discussions with the federal government if the Commonwealth were to consider changes to current operations.
"We look forward to any approach from the federal government in relation to future arrangements for the Australian Antarctic Program," Mr Michael said in a statement.
The Port of Fremantle in WA has long been touted as a potential alternative base for the Australia's Antarctic operations.
But despite flagging its interest in the Antarctic program, the WA government has not submitted a formal bid to the Commonwealth.
The ABC has approached Ms Plibersek's office for comment.
Premier seeks 'mature discussion' over Antarctic program
The Commonwealth recently signed a long-term lease keep the Australian Antarctic Division located at its headquarters in Kingston, south of Hobart.
It has also promised $240 million as part of the redevelopment of the Macquarie Point precinct, where a new AFL stadium is planned, although that funding is contingent on upgrading Macquarie Wharf 6.
The Tasmanian Premier said he would be meeting Ms Plibersek "in the coming days" to discuss a range of issues.
"My expectation is when I meet the federal minister, the federal minister puts aside the politics, and actually comes to a mature discussion around the table," Mr Rockliff told parliament during question time.
"That's the way we will be approaching this very serious matter.
"And I expect the federal Labor government to be true to their word in ensuring Hobart remains the Antarctic gateway."
Mr Rockliff said TasPorts was continuing to work with the federal government to redevelop the wharf on "reasonable, commercial terms that is in Tasmania's best interests".
Negotiations 'compromised' by politics, polar network says
The Antarctic program employs around 1,000 people in Tasmania and is estimated to boost the state's economy by about $180 million per year.
The Tasmanian Polar Network has urged the Tasmanian and federal governments to work together to reach a long-term deal to ensure the Nuyina remains in Hobart.
"The Polar Network has been respectful of the commercial negotiations between the Australian Antarctic Division and TasPorts for a wharf and logistics facility to berth the Nuyina," the network's chair Richard Fader said.
"Unfortunately, it has become apparent over the past few weeks that politics have begun to compromise these negotiations."
The Tasmanian Polar Network has 70 members in research, transport, logistics and tourism.
"To not have an agreement with the Commonwealth for berthing Nuyina puts this significant business for the state at risk."
Mr Fader said he was particularly concerned about WA's interest in the Antarctic program.
"Western Australia has incredible financial resources to support government programs and Tasmania would be unable to compete with any offer they may make."
He also warned that other countries that use Hobart to access Antarctica could reconsider their operations.
"The continued delay in completing an agreement for Nuyina's berthing has national Antarctic programs from other countries beginning to question Hobart as the preferred gateway to support their operations in the east Antarctic."
Tasmanian Liberal Senator Jonathon Duniam echoed those concerns.
"Many countries who want the jobs and scientific capability that comes with this position would see any debate or wavering of commitment as an opportunity to poach our resources," Senator Duniam said.
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