Outcome 3: Antarctica

Main responsibilities for this outcome

Australian Antarctic Division

The Australian Antarctic Division is responsible for overseeing the Antarctic Treaty System, Antarctic and Southern Ocean environment protection, Australian Antarctic Territory and Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands administration, and Antarctic and Southern Ocean research.

Objectives

The objectives of Australia’s Antarctic program are based on the region’s strategic, scientific, environmental and potential economic importance for Australia. They include:

conducting scientific research in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean that supports national policy and environmental management priorities, in particular taking advantage of the special opportunities the Antarctic offers for globally significant and coordinated research
preserving our sovereignty over the Australian Antarctic Territory, including our sovereign rights over adjacent offshore areas
protecting the Antarctic and the Southern Ocean environment, having regard to its special qualities and effects on our region
maintaining Antarctica’s freedom from strategic and/or political confrontation
being informed about developments in a region geographically close to Australia and being able to influence them
deriving any reasonable economic benefits from living and non-living resources of the Antarctic and the Southern Ocean (excluding deriving benefits from mining and oil drilling in the Antarctic Treaty area)
developing arrangements with other Antarctic programs to improve cooperation in science and logistics.

Strategies

Australia is committed to valuing and protecting Antarctica, and demonstrates this by:
- undertaking research to ensure that management of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean is based on sound scientific principles and the best available scientific knowledge—Australia’s research contributes to understanding environmental systems and the effects of global climate change
- developing internationally accepted environmental protection measures through the Antarctic Treaty system and pursuing other nations’ agreement to these measures
- developing, implementing and managing practical ways to minimise the effects of our own activities
- restoring past work sites
- helping combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in the Southern Ocean.
The department, through the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD), participates and leads discussion in key forums including: the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting; the Committee for Environmental Protection; the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, and the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels.
The minister approved the Australian Antarctic Science Strategic Plan 2011–12 to 2020–21 in 2010. It will guide the Australian Antarctic Science Program over the next 10 years to focus efforts within four thematic areas:
- climate processes and change
- terrestrial and nearshore ecosystems: environmental change and conservation
- Southern Ocean ecosystems: environmental change and conservation
- frontier science.

It also establishes the framework for Australian Antarctic research to which universities, research institutions, the AAD and other national and international government bodies contribute. Implementation plans were developed—one for each stream of research listed within the strategic plan—following workshops held during September and October with researchers and policy makers.

Expeditioners in rubber boat in Antarctic waters

Expeditioners in rubber boat. (Chris Wilson, Autralian Antarctic Division)

Results

The Australian Antarctic science program undertook a total of 107 science projects from 30 institutions across Australia. The projects involved collaboration with a further 244 institutions from 27 countries.
The Australian Antarctic science program supported 112 higher degree students, including 85 PhD students.
During the 2010 calendar year 257 publications were produced within the Australian Antarctic science program. 130 were published in peer-reviewed international literature, and 13 contributed to supporting Australia’s position in key policy forums such as the Antarctic Treaty, Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels and the International Whaling Commission.
Four permanent stations were operated, maintained and resupplied during the 2010–11 season, in line with the budget target. A total of 201 shipping days supported Australia’s Antarctic program, exceeding the budget target of 180 days. The shipping schedule was extended for several reasons including an emergency response requiring a diversion, equipment failure on the vessel impeding unloading, and heavy ice conditions necessitating long fly-off operations. Approximately 12 200 cubic metres of cargo was transported.
In total 771 passenger movements took place in the 2010–11 season, 591 by ship and 180 by air.
The AAD supported the French Antarctic program by carrying their personnel on the Australian Antarctic Airlink, and by providing assistance to the French program following a fatal helicopter crash early in the season. A chartered aircraft was made available to the Italian Antarctic program for separate charter. The Chinese Antarctic program also sought help in evacuating and treating an ill expeditioner from Kunlun Station.

Outcome 3, program 3.1

Deliverables

Deliverables	PBS Target	Results
The deliverables for this program are outlined below, with further specific targets quantified in the below table.
Delivering Australian Antarctic science for the period 2004–05 to 2010–11 that is guided by a science strategy. The effectiveness of this strategy was reviewed in 2009–10 and a new 10-year Australian Antarctic Science Strategic Plan was announced in 2011.	The Australian Antarctic science program undertook a total of 107 science projects from 30 institutions across Australia. The projects involved collaboration with a further 244 institutions from 27 countries.	The department has met this KPI since 2004. New Science Strategic Plan 2011–12 to 2020–21 approved by the Minister for Environment Protection in 2010. It will guide the Australian Antarctic science program over the next 10 years to focus efforts within four thematic areas: climate processes and change terrestrial and nearshore ecosystems: environmental change and conservation Southern Ocean ecosystems: environmental change and conservation frontier science.
Conducting high priority scientific research to understand the role of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean in the global climate system, to protect the Antarctic environment and undertake work of practical, economic and national significance.		The department undertook scientific research in accordance with the Science Strategy for Australia’s Antarctic program (2004–05 to 2010–11).
Pursuing Australia’s Antarctic policy objectives through participation in the Antarctic Treaty system and related forums, including meetings of the: Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties and the Committee for Environmental Protection Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels.	100%	The department participated in the Antarctic Treaty system and related forums as listed in the following KPI table.
Administering the Australian Antarctic Territory and the Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands, including the authorisation and management of Australian activities in accordance with relevant legislation and environmental protection measures.		The territories were administered in accordance with relevant legislation and environment protection measures.
Maintaining three stations Casey Station (Antarctica) Davis Station (Antarctica) Mawson Station (Antarctica) Macquarie Island Station (sub-Antarctic).	4	The four permanent research stations were maintained providing a permanent presence and support for research.
Operating a transport and logistics network using shipping and air services to: transport expeditioners and cargo between Australia, Antarctica and sub-Antarctic Islands support scientific research in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.	180	A total of 201 shipping days supported Australia’s Antarctic program. The shipping schedule was extended for several reasons including an emergency response requiring a diversion, equipment failure on the vessel impeding unloading, and heavy ice conditions necessitating long flyoff operations.
Scientists active in Antarctica, the sub-Antarctic and the Southern Ocean during the financial year [#].	100	105
Participation in key Antarctic Treaty related forums [% attended].	100	100%
Permanent stations operated, maintained and resupplied [#].	4	4
Logistical Support Shipping days in support of Australia’s Antarctic program [#].	180	201
Flights between Hobart and Casey Station [# of return flights].	15	Due to weather conditions, two flights to Wilkins were completed with a further five flights conducted with assistance provided by the US Antarctic Program via the US McMurdo Station. Nine flights were undertaken on behalf of the US program in return for that support.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

KPIs	PBS Target	Results
In 2010–11 the program will:
Conduct and support internationally recognised scientific research in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean as measured by the number of published scientific papers and the number of international institutions collaborating in the Australian Antarctic program.	200 150	257 scientific papers published. 244 institutions from 27 countries participated.
Play a key role in maintaining the Antarctic Treaty System and enhancing Australia’s influence in it. Participation in its various forums as measured by the extent to which Australia’s objectives are achieved and the number of senior positions held by Australia (e.g. Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson).	100%	In 2010–11 Australia was active in the Antarctic Treaty System participating in the meetings and making several key contributions including playing a lead role in developing a representative system of marine protected areas in the Southern Ocean.
Demonstrate Australia’s commitment to protecting the Antarctic and the Southern Ocean environment by ensuring that its Antarctic program complies with all Australian Antarctic environmental protection legislation. The program’s target is 100% compliance.	100%	95% Compliance is audited in terms of logistical support made available. 16 incidents were assessed against the Antarctic Treaty (Environment Protection) Act 1980 for compliance and enforcement action, of which seven warning letters were sent. None of the incidents warranted a full investigation. The AAD conducted two audits to check compliance with permit and/or environment authorisation.
Deliver effective shipping and air services as measured by the combined number of expeditioners and the volume of cargo transported during the year.	350 expeditioners 10 000 cubic metres of cargo	Seven voyages were undertaken including one in direct support of the Macquarie Island Pest Eradication Program and a dedicated marine science cruise. The Australian Antarctic Airlink also operated, but flights were limited due to weather conditions. Warm weather prevented necessary runway preparation so only two flights to Wilkins were completed. A further five flights were conducted via the US McMurdo Station with the assistance of the US Antarctic program. Nine flights were undertaken on behalf of the US program in return for that support. 34 science projects sent field personnel to Antarctica, five projects went to Macquarie Island and nine marine science projects were undertaken. In its fourth season the Antarctic Air Link transported 19 scientists to Antarctica to undertake research at Australia’s Casey Station. In total 105 scientists used Australia’s logistics system in 2010–11.
Operate permanent stations as a demonstration of Australia’s continued presence and commitment. The level of utilisation (measured by the number of expeditioners and occupied bed nights) is an indicator of the program’s performance in maintaining Australia’s presence.	40 000	The four permanent research stations were operated, maintained and developed.
Number of scientific papers produced in the previous calendar year.	200	257
Number of international institutions collaborating in the Australian Antarctic program.	150	244
Senior positions held on Antarctic Treaty related organisations [#].	2	2
Australian Antarctic program compliance with Antarctic environmental protection legislation [%]	100	95% Compliance is audited in terms of logistical support made available. Sixteen incidents were assessed against the Antarctic Treaty (Environment Protection) Act 1980 for compliance and enforcement action, of which seven warning letters were sent. None of the incidents warranted a full investigation. The AAD conducted two audits to check compliance with permit and/or environment authorisation.
Number of expeditioners transported to Australia’s Antarctic and the sub-Antarctic stations [Round trips].	350	386. An increase in expeditioners was due to large construction programs at Davis (living quarters), Willkins (infrastructure) and Casey (east wing extension).
Volume of cargo transported to Australia’s Antarctic and the sub-Antarctic stations [cubic metres].	10 000	12 200. The increase from the target was due to a large amount of cargo delivered to Mawson having then to be returned to Australia due to heavy ice conditions.
Number of occupied bed nights.	40 000	48 000. The increase in bed nights is a result of the increase in expeditioners to fulfil the construction program.