TasPorts' Industry Support Program was developed through strategic engagement with key business sectors, including forestry, property, freight and logistics, mining, maritime, cruise and tourism, Antarctic, seafood and agriculture.
The Industry Support Program sought industry feedback and input on key issues and future requirements. As a result, the Industry Support Program is specifically designed to address challenges and gaps identified by peak Tasmanian industry bodies.
The initiatives supported by TasPorts are essential to future-proof Tasmania’s industries and to emphasise the innovation and achievements at both the state and national levels.
TasPorts is welcoming applications for the 2026 Industry Support Program in February 2026, with a focus on industry-led initiatives aligned with our values and delivering positive outcomes for Tasmanian industries.
In 2026, TasPorts are interested in industry projects and partnerships that meet the following key focus areas:
Applications must be submitted via a fully completed Industry Support Program application form, found below, and completed according to the guidelines provided in the Industry Support Program Guidelines.
Applications close on Friday 20 March 2026.
TasPorts are the custodians of Tasmania's multi-port network, and we take our responsibility to support Tasmania's industries and our customers seriously. Our teams work closely with organisations that share our objectives to invest in education, reduce environmental impacts, and pursue growth opportunities.
TasPorts also supports community initiatives through its Community Grant Program. For more details about community-related support and partnerships, visit our Community Engagement page.
TasPorts was proud to support the Arbre Forest Industries Training and Career Hub in 2025 by providing ten funded places for trainees in the Forestry Operator Pre-Employment Program, directly helping to build the industry's future workforce.
TasPorts supported ten participants in the 2025 Forestry Operator Pre-Employment Program, a 5-day entry-level course delivered by Arbre, Tasmania's dedicated forestry education provider. This microcredential training program introduces participants to forestry machinery operation through several units towards a Certificate II in Forest Operations, specifically targeting people the forestry sector may not have traditionally recruited, such as the unemployed, migrants, or career changers.
The training was delivered at Arbre's facility outside Launceston using state-of-the-art John Deere Forestry Simulators and the Timberskills training package, giving participants hands-on experience in basic machine control skills and IT systems knowledge. TasPorts looks forward to following the 2025 participants' career journeys.
For detailed information on all forestry training courses, including 2026 offerings, visit the Arbre webpage.
TasPorts supported Destination Southern Tasmania to deliver the Cruise Product Development session at the 2025 Tasmanian Tourism Showcase. The Tasmanian Tourism Showcase is recognised as the state's premier tourism industry event, providing valuable networking opportunities and fostering partnerships that strengthen Tasmania's position as a leading tourism destination.
Development session at the 2025 Tasmanian Tourism Showcase, the state's premier tourism industry event. The session brought together over 100 tourism operators from Tasmania's four regions with key industry stakeholders, facilitating structured meetings between Tasmanian operators and leading shore excursion planners from mainland Australia. Participation was open to operators from all regional Tourism organisations across the state, ensuring broad geographic representation.
This initiative aligns with TasPorts' strategic focus on community engagement and supporting key industries, including the Australian cruise industry and Tasmanian tourism sector. By encouraging regional participation and strengthening Tasmania's cruise readiness, the session helped develop industry connections that benefit port communities statewide. The goal was to enhance Tasmania's touring offerings to cruise passengers, stimulate new regional itineraries, and drive greater port-based economic activity through sustainable, low-impact visitation strategies.
For more information about the Tasmanian Tourism Showcase, visit the DST Events page.
TasPorts was proud to drive recognition of future leaders in Tasmania's hospitality and tourism sectors by supporting the Women in Leadership Award at the Hospitality Tasmania Awards for Excellence in 2025.
TasPorts was honoured to present the Women in Leadership Award at the 2025 Hospitality Tasmania Awards for Excellence, held at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. This prestigious award recognises exceptional individuals who exemplify professional excellence, courage, vision, and purposeful leadership within Tasmania's hospitality and tourism sectors. It celebrates leaders who inspire, empower, and transform their organisations and industries whilst championing diversity and inclusion across the Tasmanian hospitality landscape.
This year's award was presented to Alice van der Woude from On Board Expeditions, who set a powerful example demonstrating the outstanding calibre of women leaders in Tasmania's tourism industry. TasPorts' support of this award reflects our tangible commitment to gender equality, empowering women within a key Tasmanian industry, and fostering strong community ties by celebrating achievements that contribute significantly to Tasmania's vibrant hospitality sector and business landscape.
For more information about Tasmania's peak industry body for hospitality, visit the Hospitality Tasmania website.
With Tasmania's ports being a gateway to global markets for Tasmanian businesses, TasPorts was proud to support the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) to host a series of "Exporters After Hours" networking events across the state, aimed at fostering a thriving export community here for businesses of all sizes.
TasPorts partnered with the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) to support a series of free "Exporters After Hours" networking events throughout winter 2025. As Tasmania's ports serve as gateways to global markets, these events were designed to foster a thriving export community by bringing together businesses of all sizes, from those just beginning their export journey to established companies seeking new markets.
The events provided valuable opportunities for Tasmanian exporters to connect with peers, build relationships, and discover new market opportunities. Participants heard presentations from Trade Tasmania and TradeStart Advisers on current export markets, emerging opportunities for Tasmanian goods and services, and the latest trends in trade pathways.
Visit the TCCI website to view their calendar of upcoming events.
Supporting excellence: TasPorts sponsored the Forest Growing and Management Award at the 2025 Tasmanian Timber Awards, hosted by the Tasmanian Forests and Forest Product Network (TFFPN).
TasPorts proudly sponsored the Forest Growing & Management Award at the 2025 Tasmanian Timber Awards hosted by the Tasmanian Forests and Forest Products Network (TFFPN). The award recognised exceptional skills in forest growing and management, adherence to industry best-practice standards, and commitment to continuous improvement. Forico, Tasmania's largest private forest manager, received this prestigious honour for sustainably and responsibly managing 173,000 hectares of land across Tasmania, with their dedication recognised by peers and industry partners alike.
TasPorts' sponsorship reinforces our ongoing commitment to Tasmania's forest industry, recognising the vital connection between sustainable forestry practices and the state's export economy. As the operator of key port infrastructure at Burnie, Bell Bay, and Hobart, TasPorts has exported more than 35 million tonnes of woodchips and logs in the past decade through our multi-port network. We continue investing in facilities and services to ensure the long-term success of forestry and other Tasmanian industries whilst celebrating the hard work, innovation, and commitment driving excellence across the sector.
To learn more about the Tasmanian Forests & Forest Products Network visit their website.
With cruise tourism playing an increasingly important role in Tasmania's tourism economy, TasPorts was delighted to support the Tasmanian Hospitality and Tourism Academy's 2025 Cruise Guide Courses in Burnie and Hobart ahead of the 2025-26 cruise season.
TasPorts supported the Tasmanian Hospitality and Tourism Academy's (THTA) 2025 Cruise Guide Courses in Burnie and Hobart ahead of the cruise season, recognising cruise tourism's growing importance to Tasmania's economy. The one-day course was designed for volunteer and paid cruise guides working with shore excursion operators, building practical skills in customer service, cultural and environmental interpretation, and frontline visitor engagement. Participants learned about cruise passenger profiles and expectations, group and time management essentials, handling complex situations, storytelling techniques, and local destination highlights.
THTA is a statewide workforce development initiative backed by founding partners Tourism Industry Council Tasmania (TICT) and Hospitality Tasmania (HT), collaborating with Regional Tourism Organisations including Destination Southern Tasmania and West x NorthWest. This training enhances the visitor experience for cruise passengers and independent travellers whilst strengthening Tasmania's reputation as a world-class destination supported by knowledgeable, passionate local guides.
For more information on hospitality and tourism courses, visit the THTA website.
The Tourism Industry Council Tasmania (TICT) launched the next generation of its Tasmanian Cruise Spotlight courses in 2025, with support from TasPorts, to build awareness of tourism and help tourism operators better understand the needs, expectations, and behaviours of cruise passengers.
TasPorts supported the Tourism Industry Council Tasmania (TICT) to launch the Tassie Cruise Spotlight online education module in 2025, designed to help tourism operators and volunteers better understand the needs, expectations, and behaviours of cruise passengers. The training provides a behind-the-scenes look at the roles, systems, and logistics involved in delivering successful cruise visits across the state. With cruise ships visiting multiple Tasmanian ports, the module aims to encourage greater visitor dispersal and enhance experiences that turn single visits into repeat travel.
TICT CEO Amy Hills emphasised the module's focus on giving operators and volunteers the knowledge and tools to deliver exceptional experiences and build lasting connections with visitors, strengthening outcomes for regional communities. According to the Australian Cruise Association's 2024-2025 Economic Impact Assessment, Tasmania's cruise industry generated approximately $149 million in economic benefit, supporting 453 jobs.
Tourism operators interested in the Tassie Cruise Spotlight module can learn more by visiting the TICT Tourism Toolbox website.
A new partnership with the Tasmanian Minerals, Manufacturing and Energy Council (TMEC) was created to deliver the Inclusive Industry Pathways Program. This transformative initiative has been designed to create meaningful career opportunities for underrepresented jobseekers in Tasmania.
The Inclusive Industry Pathways Program created meaningful career opportunities for underrepresented job seekers through an eight-week intensive training program. Participants gained nationally recognised certifications including White Card, First Aid/CPR, Working at Heights, and Confined Spaces training, alongside the confidence and industry knowledge needed for sustainable careers in Tasmania's transport, mining, and energy sectors. The program offered free comprehensive training, direct employment pathways, and an inclusive learning environment with industry exposure through facility tours and guest speakers.
As a key industry partner for TMEC, TasPorts hosted a port tour that provided participants with real-world insights into port operations and supply chain careers, showcasing the breadth of opportunities within Tasmania's integrated transport network. Delivered in partnership with atWork Australia across multiple locations including TMEC facilities and the Smithton Regional Training Academy, this initiative reflects TasPorts' commitment to bridging industry needs with community potential.
For more information or to register for an information session, contact TMEC directly or visit their website.
The partnership between TasPorts and the Tasmanian Polar Network support the Antarctic Science Foundation through the early-career researchers' grants scheme.
TasPorts partnered with the Tasmanian Polar Network in 2025 to support young Tasmanian-based researchers through grants to the Antarctic Science Foundation. The Tasmanian Polar Network comprises more than 70 Antarctic-related industry, government, international, and educational institutions committed to strengthening Tasmania's connections to Antarctica. As Hobart serves as the world's largest centre of cold-climate expertise and research, the Gateway to the Antarctic, TasPorts manages a permanent berth for the Australian Antarctic Division's icebreaker and other vessels whilst supporting industry development.
These grants enable early-career researchers to conduct world-leading Antarctic science in areas including environmental stewardship, biodiversity conservation, marine resource management, climate change, and oceanography. The 2025 grants supported eight research projects ranging from katabatic wind systems and marginal ice zone studies to avian influenza impacts on penguins and Antarctic soil microbial research. The grants directly benefit researchers by funding critical research completion, conference attendance, skills development workshops, and essential equipment purchases.
| 2025 Early Career Researcher Grants Scheme recipients |
|---|
Katabatic winds / Symposium travel This grant will fund a presentation at the 16th Symposium on Polar Science on how large-scale weather systems influence Antarctic katabatic winds, a key component of Antarctic climate. It will share new results and built collaborations with international polar scientists. |
Marginal Ice Zones and Saroma Sea Ice School This grant will support research on how ocean waves, sea ice, snow and the atmosphere interact in Antarctica's Marginal Ice Zone, improving biogeochemical and climate models. It will also fund attendance at the 2026 Saroma Sea Ice School for vital field training and instrument testing ahead of Australia's planned MIZ voyage. |
Glaciogenic sediments and COOKIES voyage This grant will support analysis of glaciogenic sediments to reconstruct how the East Antarctic Ice Sheet responded to past climate change. Joining the COOKIES voyage will enable core sampling in front of the Cook and Ninnis glaciers, providing the data needed for these reconstructions. |
Avian influenza impacts on penguins This grant will fund travel to join a research expedition on the impacts of highly pathogenic avian influenza on penguin colonies in the South Sandwich Islands and South Georgia. The work will produce the first data on infection levels, viral genomes, and colony status, informing scientific publications and international wildlife health policy. |
Antarctic soil microbial metatranscriptomics This grant will purchase essential RNA-extraction equipment to analyse previously collected Antarctic soil samples using microbial metatranscriptomics. The pilot will fill a major gap in understanding microbial activity and generate data for future grant applications. |
New Antarctic bdelloid rotifer species This grant will support documentation and description of new endemic Antarctic bdelloid rotifer species, closing critical taxonomic gaps. Equipment will enable detailed imaging, measurement, and permanent preservation for publication and biodiversity baselines. |
Semi-autonomous sea ice sampler This grant will fund the development of a semi-automous, trace-metal-clean sea ice sampler with low-flow pump. The tool will provide crucial measurements of sea ice biogeochemistry needed to understand recent sea ice loss and its ecological impacts. |
Sea star reference genome (Glabraster antarctica) This grant will generate a reference genome for the Antarctic Sea Star, Glabraster antarctica, enabling whole-genome studies of population connectivity, history, and adaptation. This genome baseline is essential for assessing resilience under climate change. |
For updates on the 2025 research projects, visit the Antarctic Science Foundation's website.
