Think of the walrus and the penguins.

That’s a message Australia’s Antarctic agencies can take to the community to supplement government funding for research efforts on the frozen continent, Environment Minister Greg Hunt says.

In Hobart on Friday to unveil the 20 Year Australian Antarctic Strategic Plan, the minister championed a “massive injection into Antarctic research funding and capability” never before seen.

But more dollars are always welcome.

• Record Antarctic sea ice no reason to relax on climate change
• Ozone layer tipped for mid-century recovery

“Government has a critical role but if there are activities which can generate additional income then we would be silly not to look at them,” Mr Hunt told reporters.

International universities, philanthropic bodies and even wildlife welfare groups could be on the radar.

“They might be able to provide funding for a specific type of research, whether it’s into the health of some of the marine life, the health of some of the on-ice extraordinary life, the walrus population, penguins.”

The minister was quick to rule out a fundraising drive.

“To paint it as anything other than supplementary would be wrong,” he said.

Report author and former head of the Australian Antarctic Division Tony Press, is pleased the government has moved quickly to address some of his high-priority recommendations.

This includes funding for a new ice breaker vessel, promoting Tasmania as a gateway to Antarctica, and an increase in Australia’s scientific capability.

“There has been an historic decline in the expenditure of Antarctic affairs because of the death of a thousand cuts: efficiency dividends and no specific government action but the erosion of capability,” Dr Press said.

“I think the government has taken some major steps in resolving those issues.”

The government has earmarked $25 million for Antarctic “big science”, Mr Hunt said.

“That’s about getting bodies on the ice, getting world-class researchers out of Hobart doing extra science on the ice.”

A further $24 million will be spent on a collaboration between the CSIRO, AAD and University of Tasmania to drive the state as a gateway to Antarctica, including attracting more international research bases to Hobart.

The report outlines 35 recommendations of various priority over the short to long term.

Australia’s commitment to the Antarctic Treaty System is among those recommendations and Mr Hunt said the government wants to be a cornerstone of the system.

Some stakeholder submissions received by Dr Press indicated Australia was risking its territorial claim – of 42 per cent – in Antarctica by failing to conduct enough scientific research in accordance with the Treaty.

He acknowledged but dismissed the concern.

“We have been meeting the obligation,” Dr Press told AAP.