MP breaks the ice

By Tania Martin
LA TROBE MP Jason Wood spent his summer break experiencing the wonders of penguins and the Antarctic.
It took a 12-day expedition on an icebreaker to reach Antarctica.
The trip was part of his parliamentary commitment as the backbench Secretary for Environment and Heritage.
Mr Wood said it was an experience of a lifetime and that seeing the penguins rated as one of the best parts of the trip.
“You can’t go past seeing the behaviour of the penguins – they just waddle around and have no fear of humans,” he said.
Mr Wood said that after visiting several stations in Antarctica he will be raising several environmental issues with the Federal Government.
He will be campaigning for the Government to help clean-up waste around Wilkes station, which has been closed for years.
“There is more than 3500 barrels of waste which have been there for 40-50 years and I would like to see them removed before they start leaking,” he said.
Mr Wood said it would cost the Government more than $35 million to clean up Wilkes station, but it is something that needs to be done.
Mr Wood said the Australian Government has done a great job of cleaning up Casey station, which was in a similar situation to Wilkes.
“The scientists also do a great job on breaking down the rubbish and have found that using garden fertiliser can break rubbish down in one year rather than 10,” he said.
Mr Wood said he would like to see Australia, which controls 42 per cent of Antarctica, take a lead role in helping to preserve its environment.
He also urges people to visit the continent. The stations are always seeking tradespeople, chefs and doctors to work there.
To find out more about working in the Antarctic log on to www.aad.gov.au.