The Antarctic high plateau offers exceptional conditions for infrared and terahertz astronomy, as well as for programs requiring long, uninterrupted periods for measurements made with high cadence and photometric precision (i.e. time domain astronomy). In this review we summarise the special conditions of the Antarctic plateau which facilitate these observing regimes. We also outline some high profile science programs in each that could be conducted most effectively from the Antarctic high plateau, involving the first light in the Universe, the life cycle of our Galaxy, and the equation of state for the Universe. Three high plateau sites are under particular consideration for furthering such scientific programs-Dome A, Dome F and Ridge A. We summarise the activity underway at each site, which includes the building of new stations and the construction of facilities for optical, infrared and terahertz astronomy, as well as the plans for their future development.

The 22 m diameter Mopra telescope in Australia is being used to undertake an improved survey of the CO J = 1-0 line at 3mm along the 4th quadrant of the Galaxy, achieving an order of magnitude better spatial and spectral resolution (i.e. 0.6 and 0.1 km/s) than the Dame et al. (2001) survey that is publically available for the Southern Galactic plane. Furthermore, the Mopra CO survey includes the four principal isotopologues of the CO molecule (i.e. 12CO, 13CO, C18O and C17O). The survey makes use of an 8 GHz-wide spectrometer and a fast mode of on-the- y mapping developed for the Mopra telescope, where the cycle time has been reduced to just 1=4 of a second. 38 square degrees of the Galaxy, from l = 306-344°, b = ±0:5° have currently been surveyed, together with additional 9 sq. deg. regions around the Carina complex and the Central Molecular Zone. We present new results from the survey (see also Burton et al., 2013, 2014). The Mopra CO data are being made publically available as they are published; for the latest release see the project website at www.phys.unsw.edu.au/mopraco.