HOBART is poised to become China's gateway to Antarctica, in a partnership that could deliver tens of millions of dollars to the city each year.
Hobart Lord Mayor Damon Thomas revealed yesterday that official discussions had begun to establish the city as a hub for Chinese research activity in Antarctica.
He said council had agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Chinese city of Shanghai Pudong and hoped Hobart would become a base for their Antarctic vessels and research teams.
He said the Chinese polar research institute had applied for funding to buy a large Hercules-type aircraft to run between two Chinese stations in Antarctica and Australia's Casey Station.
"That will mean they will start shipping heavy equipment out of Hobart airport," he said.
He hoped the partnership could be established within a year, and said there were suggestions Chinese scientists would station themselves in Hobart, working alongside leading Antarctic researchers.
"If we get the research vessel coming here, collaborating with research and shipping people, [and they get] their personnel and equipment from here, it will be [worth] tens of millions of dollars a year [to Hobart]," Ald Thomas said.
He hoped to gain support for the plan from UTAS and the Antarctic Research Division. The move is part of a major Hobart City Council initiative to boost relations with China.
Celebrating one year in their roles with council, Ald Thomas and deputy mayor Ron Christie yesterday confirmed plans to host a Chinese expo in Hobart next year. Officials from Shenzhen contacted council at the weekend to accept an invitation to host the event, which will showcase the Chinese manufacturing city.
It follows the mayor's trip to China with Premier Lara Giddings earlier this year and a trip Ald Christie and council economic adviser Tim Short made to Sydney earlier this year for a meeting with Shenzhen mayor Xu Qin.
Ald Christie said Mr Xu was one of the most influential and powerful leaders in China. Shenzhen is a hi-tech and manufacturing hub in southern China, with the world's fourth-busiest container port, China's fourth-busiest airport and is a top tourist destination.
More than 10 million people live in Shenzhen.
Ald Thomas said he would approach the State Government to hold the expo at Princes Wharf No.1 on the Hobart waterfront. He said representatives from other Australian capital cities would be invited and hoped it would attract more than 400 delegates from China.
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