Australian government planning to construct paved runway near the Davis research station in Antarctica

The Australian government is planning to construct a paved runway near the Davis research station, as a boost to its Antarctic programme. Access to the research base is difficult in winter, as temperatures fall as low as –40° C. The new runway will complement Australia’s existing summer-only ice runway at Wilkins Aerodrome. The establishment of a permanent link between Hobart and the Antarctic will enhance Hobart’s role as a gateway to the eastern Antarctic, making it a more attractive for Antarctic nations to base their operations in Tasmania. Australia, which says it follows the Antarctic treaty system closely, is convinced that "the runway will support our international partnerships." #1087.7