Sydney - Australia is to invest more on scientific research in Antarctica over the next two decades and broaden funding initiatives to include commercial and philanthropic partners, the government said.
Environment Minister Greg Hunt unveiled the 20-year Strategic Antarctic Plan in the island state of Tasmania some 240 kilometres south of the mainland and some 5 300 kilometres from the icy continent.
He said Australia will acquire a new icebreaker and promote Tasmania as an international gateway to Antarctica as part of the plan, broadcaster ABC reported.
“Along with the Bureau of Meteorology super computer, the investment will approach 500 million (Australian) dollars,” Hunt was quoted as saying in Hobart.
ABC quoted former Australian Antarctic Division head Tony Press, who compiled the plan, as saying a lack of investment in the region has had negative outcome.
“Particularly in the areas of logistics and science and I think the government's taken some significant steps in resolving those issues,” Press said.
Hunt said the government would seek to supplement funding though commercial, philanthropic and crowd-sourcing means, ABC reported.
“Whether it's in relation to the walrus population, whether it's in relation to penguins, you can have iconic species which can attract community interest,” he said.
Australia has a claim to 42 percent of the territory of Antarctica, a larger slice than any other nation. - Sapa-dpa