The Australian Antarctic Division is undertaking a major project to build a new research station on sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island.

Aerial view of Macquarie Island research station.
The Macquarie Island research station Photo: Greg Stone

Macquarie Island is an important site for conservation, environmental and climate research projects. 

Due to the extreme weather on the island, many of the buildings are deteriorating and approaching the end of their useful life.

The Macquarie Island Station Project will construct a new purpose-built research station on Macquarie Island to allow for a year-round presence on the island in support of high priority science and long-term monitoring, including the work of:

The project will provide a safe, sustainable and operationally resilient station.

Benefits

The new research station will reduce the risk of WHS incidents and disruptions to station operations and scientific activities, reduce the risk from natural events and the projected impacts of climate change, and minimise station maintenance requirements. In addition to these benefits, the new facilities will enable more efficient operations, provide improved amenity and expeditioner wellbeing, and reduce the station footprint.

Funding

The Federal Government has committed $370 million over nine years to secure the future of Australia's presence on Macquarie Island.

Current status

In August 2026, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) announced the temporary withdrawal of personnel from the Macquarie Island research station ahead of the 2026 seal breeding season.

The Department has assessed that a significant wildlife mortality event is likely to occur due to H5 bird flu on Macquarie Island. While the risk of personnel contracting H5 bird flu remains low, the potential psychosocial impacts of a prolonged mortality event have been assessed as major.

The health, safety and wellbeing of expeditioners participating in the Australian Antarctic Program is the Department’s highest priority.

DCCEEW To Remove Australian Antarctic Program Expeditioners From Sub-Antarctic Island As H5 Bird Flu Threat Approaches

This decision does not change the Australian Government’s commitment to maintaining a long-term presence on the island.

The temporary withdrawal will affect the timing of the Macquarie Island Station Project. Project activities will slow over the coming months while the implications are assessed and future planning is undertaken.

The Project’s immediate priority is to support the 24 expeditioners on station and voyage planning for the safe extraction of personnel.  

Environment, Culture and Heritage

The Macquarie Island Station Project has a responsibility to meet regulatory, statutory and legislative requirements relating to the environmental and cultural heritage management of Macquarie Island, including the following Acts and instruments:

For any queries please email: misp@aad.gov.au

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