Albanese Government signs major Antarctic infrastructure agreement

The Albanese Government has signed contracts for critical infrastructure works at Davis Station, Australia’s most southerly Antarctic Station, with the project expected to improve water and power services at the site.

The Australian Antarctic Division, of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, has entered an agreement with the Antarctic Infrastructure Renewal (AIR) Alliance, a major construction and design consortium, comprising of Bouygues Construction Australia, Stantec and Mott McDonald, to deliver the project.

Commencing in November 2026, works will include a new reverse osmosis plant, increasing the station’s water supply as well as incorporating a new seawater intake.

During the summer months, drinking water is produced by pumping water from a high-saline tarn into a reverse osmosis (RO) or desalination plant, with the station relying on stored water in winter, as the tarn freezes over.

On completion of the works, salt water will be pumped from the ocean and heated before being sent to the RO plants, where it is then turned into drinking water.

Davis Station produces approximately 1.5 million litres of its own water annually and an additional 250,000 litres is shipped in on RSV Nuyina.

Works will also provide a new utilities building, containing the main powerhouse, trades and mechanical workshops, resulting in the dismantling of an old utilities building that will be returned to Australia.

Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt, said the work will improve comfort and energy efficiency for the station.

“This will ensure that Davis station will be better equipped to support the critical Antarctic science being carried out by Australia’s world-renowned researchers,” Minister Watt said.

“It will also keep Australian Antarctic expeditioners safe and comfortable, during the long stints they spend so far away from family and friends."

The infrastructure project is expected to take seven years to complete, and will employ up to 30 extra tradespeople to Davis every season, to complete the works.

“The Albanese Government is investing in Australia’s Antarctic future,” Minister Watt said.

“These works will strengthen Australia’s science, presence and leadership in Antarctica.

“We’re working with leading Australian and international firms to deliver the best possible result for the Australian Antarctic Program.”