Research, protection in new Antarctic plan

Collaboration is at the heart of a new Antarctic Science Foundation being developed to bring together research, conservation and education around the icy continent.

A public-private partnership, the foundation will further advance Antarctic research and protection, Environment Minister Josh Frydenberg announced on Tuesday.

"Antarctica has always been a place where nations, scientists and a wide range of organisations work together in the shared spirit of peace and science," he said.

The foundation will be headed up by former federal environment minister Robert Hill and self-funded through donations.

Last mont, the Turnbull government announced plans to build Antarctica's first paved runway at David Station to allow air access to the icy continent in winter.