Time zone changes for Australian Antarctic stations

2 November 2009 

Casey station Photo: Christopher R Clarke

The time zones at Australia's Antarctic stations have changed for the upcoming summer season.

Casey station time has been brought forward by three hours and is now on the same time as Hobart, while Davis and Mawson stations have been pushed back by two and one hour respectively and are now six hours behind Hobart.

The Australian Antarctic Division's Deputy Director, Virginia Mudie, said the changes were implemented to help manage fatigue issues on station.

"Over summer the flights from Hobart to Casey station were resulting in employees working long hours, from very early in the morning to meet incoming planes," Ms Mudie said.

"The new time zone will mean station working hours will better correspond with aircraft arrival and departure times."

At Davis station strong winds in the morning were delaying flying operations until after 10am.

"We decided to adjust the time at Davis to ensure the start of the working day coincided with the best weather patterns for flying," Ms Mudie said.

Davis station Photo: Frederique Olivier

Mawson station Photo: Frederique Olivier

At Mawson station the time change will result in similar benefits in reducing working hours for employees.

In summer the stations have very little darkness each day, so altering the time zone will not have any major impact.

The Antarctic Division will review the success of the time change at the end of summer.