11 January
2008 - Environment Minister Peter Garrett
has returned from Antarctica inspired by
the advantages a permanent air link with
the frozen continent will have for scientific
research.
Mr Garrett was aboard
the Airbus A319 for the first official flight,
which also carried scientists to Casey station
to remain behind for work on several projects.
Passengers set foot
on the glacial Wilkins Runway, about 70
kilometres from Casey, a little over four
hours after departing Hobart.
Mr Garrett said the
dramatic saving in travel time will make
a huge difference to researchers getting
to and from Antarctica.
"To descend out
of the sky across this Antarctic continent
and see a beautifully constructed air strip
on blue ice in the middle of this vast Antarctic
expanse was a really incredible experience,"
said Mr Garrett.
"We are now on
the cusp of a new era in the harnessing
of knowledge and information from the scientific
research that will happen in Antarctica
– it's a very good day for Australia."
Mr Garrett described
the flight as "historic" and the
Airlink team "incredibly professional"
and said he was very proud of all those
who had worked to bring the project to fruition
over many years.
"I want to, on
behalf of the government and in fact on
behalf of the people of Australia, congratulate
everybody involved," he said.
The Minister was greeted
on his arrival by Casey Station Leader,
Dr Jeremy Smith. He then took a tour of
the facilities at Wilkins Runway and met
the runway construction crew.
Mr Garrett was accompanied
on the flight by the Australian Antarctic
Division's Director Dr Tony Press, Chief
Scientist Dr Michael Stoddart and a number
of senior research scientists.
