Rocket launching complex on SA coast given final approval despite environmental concerns

South Australia’s planning minister has granted the final government approval required for a proposed rocket launching complex on the Eyre Peninsula.

The Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex has been in the making for the past five years and has drawn significant opposition from environmental groups and some local residents, with a number of protests taking place.

Approval from Planning Minister Nick Champion was the final hurdle for the Adelaide-based space launch provider Southern Launch project.

The company’s chief executive Lloyd Damp said he wanted to be launching rockets out of Whalers Way by the end of next year.

“We are so excited to be bringing space to South Australia,” he said.

“I’m glad that we’ve been able to step through everything in a structured process, and we’re able to demonstrate there is an environmental benefit to the area.

“Our plan is that once we understand all the conditions, we’ll then aim to have the site operational for the first launch by the end of next year.”

The state approval comes days after federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek gave the proposal the green light from an environmental point of view.

‘Wrong place for space’

Greens SA Parliamentary Co-leader Tammy Franks has been a vocal opponent of the complex.

She said she was disappointed by the decision and wanted a committee to look its implications.

“This is the wrong place for space,” she said.

“Do we really want to go ahead with a space industry without proper planning and protections?

“It really just shows the environment laws have failed, and that our planning laws are lacking.

“I’ll be putting to a vote, in upcoming weeks in parliament, my proposal for a select committee to look at the implications of this decision for the state.”

Conservationists are concerned the rocket launches will endanger 12 bird species, including the endangered southern emu-wren, whose population stands at fewer than 750.

There are also concerns about fire risk and the impact of increased traffic on the environment.

In a statement, Mr Champion said the project was granted provisional development authorisation subject to several conditions.

“The provisional development authorisation also requires substantial work to commence on site within two years, and construction to be complete within five years,” he said.

Mr Champion’s conditions restrict the height of the rockets to be launched at the site to a maximum of 30 metres.

There are conditions in place regarding cultural heritage and native vegetation management.

The conditions also specify there is to be no more than 36 orbital launches per year, and another six sub-orbital.

Ms Plibersek approved the facility with 59 conditions, including noise to be restricted to less than 130 decibels measured 60m from the launch pad.