Our long history of providing logistical and technical support to enable exploration of Antarctica and our leadership in governance, science and research on the ice and in the Southern Ocean is our city's most unique, and highly regarded strength.
Overtime, Hobart's waterfront has been defined by our role in Antarctic expeditions and dotted along it are memorial plaques, brass statues and even a replica of Mawson's Hut, Australia's first science and geographical base in Antarctica over a century ago.
Our Antarctic sector is supported by 950 jobs and is worth $160 million to our local economy. Many of those working in the Antarctic sector live in and contribute to the vibrancy of our city.
Our port (operated by TasPorts) has been home to several of Australia's Antarctic icebreakers, including Australia's state-of-the-art icebreaker the RSV Nuyina, the most advanced polar research ship in the world.
We regularly welcome other nations' icebreakers, with each visit to our port injecting up to $2 million into our local economy.
Hobart's International Airport facilitates direct flights to the Antarctic for expeditioners.
Our specialist Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) is number one for studying the Southern Ocean and Antarctica, and we rank in the top ten worldwide across various specialist fields including marine and freshwater biology, oceanography and fisheries.
The University of Tasmania (UTAS) is also ranked number one for climate action.
Key international organisations have headquarters in our city such as the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), who bring conferences, delegations and diplomats into the city to discuss critical issues on the protection and future management of Antarctica.
Our sector is uniquely connected and coordinated through the Tasmanian Polar Network which includes leading businesses, institutions and government partners.