Cassy O'Connor MP | Greens Leader and Parks spokesperson
The Greens warmly welcome the announcement of a continuing year-round presence on Macquarie Island, and thank all who contributed to the decision.
There is a real opportunity now to not only ensure the scientific and meteorological research undertaken from the Australian Antarctic Division base continues, but to invest in new facilities, particularly as the existing base is subject to regular inundation.
Most of the current structures on the base are well past their use-by date.
Investing in new facilities would provide a significant environmental benefit and lessen the existing footprint on the island.
Australia has important scientific and strategic reasons for maintaining a year round presence on Macquarie Island.
We strongly urge Minister Frydenberg to commit to allocating funds now for a more modern base in the future.