Tasmania to remain Australia's Antarctic gateway

Hobart will remain the gateway for Australia's Antarctic program after a stoush between the federal government and Tasmania over critical wharf upgrades was resolved.

The Albanese government has agreed to contribute $188 million over four years to build a new Macquarie Wharf Six in the Port of Hobart, home to the resupply and scientific researcher icebreaker RSV Nuyina.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the deal locks Tasmania in as the nation's Antarctic and Southern Ocean Gateway.

"This is an investment in Hobart, an investment in Tasmania and an investment in the future of Australian science," he said Hobart on Wednesday.

Under the agreement, the Tasmanian government will provide priority access to Macquarie Wharf Six as the home port for Nuyina for the next 30 years.

It has also guaranteed continued access to existing portside facilities during the construction period and shoreside power, and a refuelling solution for Nuyina in the port.

RSV Nuyina is the main lifeline to Australia's Antarctic and sub-Antarctic research stations and the central platform of the nation's Antarctic and Southern Ocean scientific research.

It's essential that it's able to dock in Hobart.

Wharf construction will be managed by the Tasmanian government and will begin next year.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff says the agreement secures a fit-for-purpose home port for the Nuyina and locks in Tasmania's future as the home of the Australian Antarctic Program.

"Tasmania has a proud heritage of supporting Antarctic and Southern Ocean endeavours with explorers and scientists using the Port of Hobart as a base for expeditions since the 19th century," he said.

"We will continue to promote and develop our world-leading Antarctic gateway to grow jobs, maritime services, trade and investment, education, science and research, and visitor opportunities."

Western Australia had opened the door for the Antarctic program to be moved west during the stoush after Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek cited concerns about the stalled wharf talks.

She also described TasPorts' estimated price tag of more than $515 million over 30 years as exorbitant.

However, the overtures from the WA government in June concerned the Tasmanian Polar Network, which represents 70 organisations.

It urged the Tasmanian and federal governments to come to an agreement.

The Antarctic sector is understood to contribute more than $180 million annually to Tasmania's economy and employs nearly 1000 people.