I am delighted to announce that the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) will hold its Delegates’ Meeting and Open Science Conference in Hobart in August 2020.
The Government is committed to building Tasmania’s reputation as the key gateway to Antarctica, and this is a great result that will deliver positive flow-on effects for Tasmanian businesses and the economy.
Adding to SCAR’s decision, the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP) will also host their Annual General Meeting for Antarctic managers and operational experts at the same time in Hobart.
These are globally important Antarctic meetings that provide important opportunities for local businesses to showcase their Antarctic capabilities, and the Tasmanian Government has committed $100 000, in partnership with the Australian Antarctic Division, to bring them to the state.
Business Events Tasmania estimates the meetings alone will generate more than $6.4 million to the Tasmanian economy, with the meetings running over two weeks and bringing more than 850 delegates from over 40 countries to the state.
The bid for SCAR was developed by the Tasmanian Government and Australian Antarctic Division in partnership with the Australian Academy of Science’s National Committee for Antarctic Research.