Antarctic conservation and protection

The proposed Davis Critical Infrastructure Works (DCIW) will replace end-of-life water, power and mechanical services at Davis. This will help to ensure that the station can safely operate at full capacity and continue to support our world-leading science.

Managing the environmental risk is a vital part of any activity in Antarctica. It is governed by Australia’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) and our international obligations under the Antarctic Treaty system.

As part of this process, the Australian Antarctic Division worked with science and ecology experts to assess potential environmental impacts across the life of the project and identify ways to reduce or remove that impact. This culminated in the Initial Environmental Evaluation (IEE): Antarctic Infrastructure Renewal Program – Davis Critical Infrastructure Works, which was submitted in December 2025.

The IEE was reviewed by the Antarctic and Environmental Regulation Section and was open for public comment in early 2026.

The final step was review by the Delegate of the Minister for the Environment and Water, acting under sub-section 12N(2) of the Antarctic Treaty (Environment Protection) Act 1980 (ATEP Act).

The IEE was authorised by the Delegate on 26 June 2026 and is available online via the Secretariat of the Antarctic Treaty website, EIA Database: Initial Environmental Evaluation Antarctic Infrastructure Renewal Program – Davis Critical Infrastructure Works.

Heading south

Works are continuing in Australia with procurement, logistics planning and pre-fabrication in Australia.

Subject to finalisation of the AAD season plan, cargo and personnel will depart Hobart for Davis in October 2026, with works on the icy continent due to begin in November 2026.

As set out in the IEE, strict protocols will be in place to protect the delicate environment and wildlife. This includes biosecurity measures, wildlife protections and care for terrestrial communities and remediation activities. The works are expected to be completed in 2032 with all waste material brought back to Australia for recycling or approved disposal, to close the loop on our environmental considerations.

The AIRP is designed and delivered by the Antarctic Infrastructure Renewal (AIR) Alliance – a four-way partnership between the Australian Antarctic Division, Bouygues Construction Australia, Mott MacDonald Australia and Stantec Australia.