Why did Britain establish settlements in Tasmania in 1803?

Britain established settlements in Tasmania in 1803 primarily as a strategic maneuver to ensure British dominance in international sea power. Both the British government in London and its representative in New South Wales, Governor Philip Gidley King, sought to secure military and naval bases in the south.12

To achieve this, John Bowen established an initial camp at Risdon Cove on the River Derwent in September 1803. Following the arrival of Lieutenant Governor David Collins in 1804, the settlement was relocated to Hobart.12